Unilateral Retinoblastoma Presentation in a Latin-American Teenager: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Background: Retinoblastoma is the most common intraocular mass in children-typically presenting in infants under 5 years of age-with a mean age of 24 months in unilateral cases, and 12 months in bilateral cases. Late-onset retinoblastoma and its presentation in adults is extremely rare; however, it should always be considered for the differential diagnosis of an intraocular mass originating from the retina. Due to the life-threatening nature of this disease, early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial for a good prognosis. Objective: A tumor case presentation and multidisciplinary study of a female young adult. Method: A case presentation study of a Hispanic teenager with a unilateral retinoblastoma and vitreous exudation resembling a large snowbank. The patient underwent complete ophthalmological examination and subsequent enucleation, with histopathological confirmation of retinoblastoma accompanied by chemotherapy. Conclusion: Retinoblastoma presenting as an intraocular mass in a young adult should always be considered as a differential diagnosis. Echography is crucial to obtaining a diagnosis, as well as dictating precise and adequate treatment. We review the literature regarding cases of retinoblastoma, demonstrating that most exhibited differentiated characteristics and were sporadic in nature; in most cases, the eye could not be saved. Review of late-onset retinoblastomas was therefore conducted to enrich our existing knowledge, as well as to prevent making the same mistakes when facing a similar difficult diagnosis.