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[Delayed diagnosis in retinoblastoma]
Karla E S Rodrigues1, Maria do Rosário D O Latorre, Beatriz de Camargo
1Fundação Antônio Prudente, Centro de Tratamiento e Pesquisa, Hospital do Câncer de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP. karla.emilia@terra.com.br
Jornal De Pediatria
|December 29, 2004
Summary
The most common retinoblastoma symptoms are leukocoria and strabismus. Longer diagnostic delays (lag time) are linked to advanced disease and poorer prognoses, highlighting the need for timely intervention.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Oncology
Context:
- Retinoblastoma is a pediatric eye cancer.
- Early diagnosis is crucial for treatment success.
Purpose:
- To identify key retinoblastoma symptoms.
- To determine the average time from symptom onset to diagnosis (lag time).
Summary:
- A retrospective analysis of 327 retinoblastoma cases revealed leukocoria (79%) and strabismus (10.7%) as primary symptoms.
- Mean lag time was 5.8 months, with longer delays in older children, strabismus cases, and metastatic disease.
- Advanced disease and lag times exceeding 6 months correlated with significantly lower 5-year survival rates (78% vs. 91%).
Impact:
- Findings underscore the importance of recognizing early signs like leukocoria and strabismus.
- Delayed diagnosis in retinoblastoma negatively impacts patient prognosis.
- This study emphasizes the need for prompt medical attention to improve survival outcomes in children with retinoblastoma.