[Stage at diagnosis of retinoblastoma in Niger: Current situation and perspectives]

The objective of this work is to assess the current situation in the ophthalmology department of the tertiary care center for the conservative treatment of retinoblastoma in Niger. This was a retrospective study from January 2016 to October 2022 (6years and 10months). Retinoblastoma represents 43.27% of pediatric cancers, of which 10.92% of cases are bilateral. The mean age of our patients is 36months, with the range between 2-3years, with extremes ranging from 1month to 132months. The male sex represents 65.55% (n=78), with a sex ratio of 1.9. The distance traveled varies from 1355 kilometers in the furthest region (Diffa) from the capital to 113 kilometers in the nearest region (Tillabéry). Neighboring countries such as Mali and Benin represent 5.88% (n=5). It should be noted that 58% saw traditional healers before coming to the medical center. The most common clinical signs are leukocoria 39.5% (n=47), proptosis 34.45% (n=41) and exorbitism in 15.97% (n=19). An orbital/brain CT was ordered in 54.62% (n=65) of cases. We used the TNM classification; extraocular extension occurred in 47.90% (n=57) and intraocular cases 27.73% (n=33). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was used in (63.03% n=74). Histology was carried out in (26.89% n=32), with the result obtained in 14days on average. The visit to traditional practitioners as well as the remoteness of certain regions contribute to the delay in diagnosis in our context. The continued implementation of the early diagnosis campaign program could reverse the trend.