Presentation of retinoblastoma in South Punjab

ABSTRACT

To study the mode of presentation of retinoblastoma in South Punjab. Department of Ophthalmology, Nishtar Hospital, Maltan. A retrospective study was carried out on children who visited Eye Department, Nishtar Hospital, Multan from March 2005 to February 2007. Forty patients were included in the study. The age of children ranged from 6 months to 6 years. The most children presented were with proptosis. A total of 40 patients were included in the study. Out of these 40 patients, 24 [60%] were male and 16 [40%] were female. Their mean age was 3-5 years. Children [45%] presented with proptosis. Therefore it is mandatory that all the children must be screened keenly and referred to tertiary hospital for proper evaluation and management. The late presentation of retinoblastoma is due to unawareness of people living in far flung areas where people are uneducated and poor and go to hakeems, peers and believe on jaddu and tona etc. Arrangement should be made for early screening of children and education of people for early symptoms and signs of the disease