HISTOPATHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF RETINOBLASTOMA

Objective: To study the various histopathological features of retinoblastoma in patients operated in a local teaching hospital. Material and Methods: This prospective, descriptive study was conducted at Eye “A” unit, Department of Ophthalmology, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan from 31st December, 2007 to 1st January 2009. Twenty Five children were registered in referral center for retinoblastoma. Based on the results of examination under anesthesia as well as other investigations (CT scan and ultrasonography), a management plan was drawn which also included enucleation in advanced cases. Thirteen patients were included for studies on histopathological features. Results: Out of 13 patients, 8 (61%) were males, 5 (39%) were females ranging in age range from 1 year to 7 years. Mean age was 3.62+1.55 years. Nine (69.2%) cases had unilateral disease. Seven (53.85%) patients had differentiated tumor characterized by Flexner-wintersteiner rosettes, 4 (30.77%) patients had clear optic nerve invasion. Eight (61.54%) specimens revealed necrosis and 5 (38.46%) cases had pigmentation. Four patients with optic nerve invasion and 4 patients with no comments on optic nerve invasion in biopsy report, were offered chemotherapy and local radiotherapy. Rest of 5 patients having no optic nerve invasion, were not given any chemotherapy or radiotherapy after enucleation. Conclusion: Majority of retinobalstoma had well differentiated tumours and about two third having suspician of optic nerve involvement required chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Histopathology report is crucial in devising further treatment plan after surgery.