A palliative approach for rehabilitation of a pediatric patient with retinoblastoma

Indian J Palliat Care. 2013 Jan;19(1):67-70. doi: 10.4103/0973-1075.110241.

Abstract

Retinoblastoma is a highly malignant neoplasm. Most of the cases are usually far advanced at the time of detection, requiring enucleation to salvage the child's life. However, the cosmetic rehabilitation of these patients should always be an integral part of their treatment, which helps in their re-integration in the society. This paper presents a case of 5-year-old patient who had undergone enucleation of her left eye due to retinoblastoma. A multidisciplinary approach, including ophthalmologist, psychotherapist, and a prosthodontist, was adopted to meet her physical, psychological, functional, emotional, social, and cosmetic demands. The patient was rehabilitated cosmetically with precisely fabricated ocular prosthesis. An ocular prosthesis is a highly positive and non-invasive approach to improve the cosmetic appearance and psychological well-being of patient.

Keywords: Artificial eye; Custom ocular prosthesis; Enucleation; Ocular defect; Retinoblastoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports