Epidemiological Characteristics of Retinoblastoma in Children Attending Almouassat University Hospital, Damascus, Syria, 2012-2016

Retinoblastoma (Rb) is a malignant tumor that originates from the developing retina. Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and symptoms and usually children under the age of five years are affected. Early diagnosis and treatment of Rb and non-ocular tumors can reduce morbidity and increase longevity. Treatment in the early stages may allow a good prognosis and salvage of visual function. The aim of this study is to present descriptive epidemiological aspects of retinoblastomas in children seen at Almouassat University Hospital (AUH) in Damascus, Syria from 1 January 2012 to 31 October 2016In this retrospective, observational hospital survey, medical records of 37 retinoblastoma cases were reviewed. The male/female (M/F) ratio was 1.6. The most frequent presenting sign was leukocoria (56.7%) and 81% of cases were diagnosed between the ages of 4 months and 3 years. More than 73% of cases were diagnosed early at stages I and II.