Retinoblastoma: an overview for advanced practice nurses.
OBJECTIVE
To provide an overview of the current literature surrounding the detection and management of retinoblastoma as well as care for the long-term survivor to serve as a guide for advanced practice nurses.


METHODS
Comprehensive review of the literature on retinoblastoma including case studies, journal reviews, retrospective studies, and briefs.


CONCLUSIONS
Retinoblastoma is a pediatric intraocular malignancy usually detected in the primary care setting. Typically asymptomatic, primary care providers will often identify the presence of retinoblastoma upon routine eye exam. Prompt diagnosis and commencement of treatment are paramount as delay in diagnosis leads to higher morbidity and mortality. Treatment options vary depending on the extent of disease.


CONCLUSIONS
Although current survival rates for retinoblastoma exceed 90%, individual visual outcome and survival are dependent upon early detection and prompt referral. In addition to research and education of survivors and families, advanced practice nurses play a key role in early detection and maintaining the current survival rate.
Canty
Caroline Anne
CA
School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA. caroline.canty@gmail.com
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000458:organization & administration*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D019572:Retinal Neoplasms / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing*; D012175:Retinoblastoma / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology