Prediagnostic Intervals in Retinoblastoma: Experience at an Oncology Center in Brazil

PurposeRetinoblastoma is the most common intraocular malignancy of childhood. In most cases, parents are the first to notice leukocoria and other symptoms before undergoing a prolonged period of stress before diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to determine prediagnostic intervals of patients with retinoblastoma at an oncology tertiary center (Instituto Nacional de Cancer) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and relate them to stage at diagnosis, eye salvage, and survival.MethodsParents or caregivers of children with retinoblastoma registered between January 2006 and September 2013 were interviewed using a semistructured individually applied questionnaire, concerning their trajectory before registration.ResultsOut of 76 patients, 39 (51%) were girls, 52 (68%) had unilateral retinoblastoma, and 24 (32%) had bilateral retinoblastoma, totaling 100 affected eyes. The most common stage of diagnosis was the intraocular group, with 63 (83%) patients; nine (12%) were extraocular, and four (5%) had metastatic disease....