RESUMO
AIM: To provide a comprehensive and more representative national data on the disease, especially on treatment options and outcomes, and to determine access of retinoblastoma patients from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao to eye care, and determine if access is associated with delay in consultation, staging and outcomes. METHODS: Cohort study of retinoblastoma patients seen in eleven institutions located in the three major areas of the Philippines namely Luzon, Vizayas and Mindanao from 2010-2020. RESULTS: Totally 636 patients, involving 821 eyes, were included. Majority (57%) were from Luzon and were seen in institutions in Luzon (72%). Annually, 58±10 new cases were seen with 71% having unilateral disease. Median delay of consultation remained long at 9 (3, 17)mo, longest in patients with unilateral disease (P<0.02) and those from the Visayas (P<0.003). Based on the International Retinoblastoma Staging System, only 35% of patients had Stage 1 while 47% already had extraocular disease. Enucleation was the most common treatment received by 484 patients while intravenous chemotherapy was received by 469. There were 250 (39%) patients alive, 195 (31%) dead, 85 (13%) abandoned, 17 (3%) refused and 89 (14%) with no data. CONCLUSION: This study presents the largest cohort of retinoblastoma patients in the Philippines in terms of patients' and participating institutions' number and geographical location and type of institution (private and public). It also presents more comprehensive data on the treatments used and outcomes (survival, globe salvage, and vision retention rates). Delay in consultation was still long among patients leading to advanced disease stage and lower survival rate. Despite increasing capacity to diagnose and manage retinoblastoma in the country, the delay of consultation remains long primarily due to accessibility issues to eye care institutions especially in the Visayas and financial concerns. The delay was still significant that overall survival rate remain low.
RESUMO
A 38-year-old male presented with bilateral upper eyelid masses and a right parotid mass. Nineteen years before the consultation, the patient experienced swelling at both upper eyelids. Formerly diagnosed by an ophthalmologist, corticosteroid, an anti-inflammatory medication, was prescribed for the patient, which resulted in partial resolution of the lid swelling. However, he was lost to follow-up, and progressive enlargement of the lids was observed with the development of a right parotid mass. The visual acuity of the patient was classified as counting fingers, three feet bilaterally. A detailed examination was difficult owing to the obstructive nature of the masses. However, ocular structures appeared intact. An excisional biopsy with a reconstruction of bilateral upper lids was performed. Histopathologic findings revealed a lymphoproliferative lesion suggestive of Kimura disease (KD). The patient was subsequently referred to rheumatology for management, where they started a regimen of oral steroids and antihistamines.
