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Unusual Retinoblastoma

Mortimer, C. B. 1970Retinoblastoma

Applied Therapeutics 12: 1970; 22

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Abstract

A case of apparently spontaneously regressed retinoblastoma with no treatment is reported. The most remarkable feature was the presence of well-defined calcium deposits within the lesion which were very reminiscent of successfully treated tumours.

Case Details

Personal Characteristics

9-year-old coloured girl

Clinical Characteristics

Lesion below and temporal to the macula, approximately four or five disc diameters in size, elevated above the retina and questionably cystic or fairly solid in appearance. Presence of well-defined calcium deposits within the lesion. Absence of fine vessels on the surface of the tumour. Surface of the tumour was smooth rather than flaky or loculated.

Remission Characteristics

Apparent spontaneous remission

Treatment & Mechanisms

Proposed Remission Mechanisms

Not discussed

Clinical Treatment

Surgical treatment was not advised. It was merely suggested that the eye should be watched regularly and photographed and if activity were detected, conservative treatment with photocoagulation or radiation.

Additional Notes

Skull x-rays confirmed calcium deposits. No other abnormalities were found. Reese confirmed the diagnosis, that is was undoubtedly a retinoblastoma, an apparent spontaneous remission. There are less than 30 reported in the world literature.