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OVERVIEW
This page is dedicated to organizing various examples of standardized exam questions whose answer is retinoblastoma. While this may seem a odd practice, it is useful to see multiple examples of how retinoblastoma will be characterized on standardized exams (namely the boards and the shelf exams). This page is not meant to be used as a tradition question bank (as all of the answers will be the same), however seeing the classic “test” characterization for a disease is quite valuable.
KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF THIS CONDITION (ON EXAMS)
When it comes to standardized exams, each topic has its own “code” marked by key buzzwords, lab findings, clues, etc. If you are well versed in this code you will be able to more quickly identify the condition that is being discussed, and get the right answer on the exam you are taking. Below is the “code” for retinoblastoma.
- While pupil on reflex testing (leukocoria): VERY specific for this condition on exams.
QUESTION EXAMPLES
Question # 1
A 9 month old girl is brought to the physician by her parents for a well child visit. Her parents are concerned because the patient has recently developed a lazy eye. The patient was born at 39 weeks gestation following an uncomplicated pregnancy. She has no remarkable past medical history. Her vital signs are all within normal limits. The Right eye shows a hypehma and estropia. The conjunctiva is not injected, and no discharge is seen on the exam. The right pupil appears white on reflex testing. The rest of the exam is unremarkable. What is a possible diagnosis that can help explain this child’s presentation?
Explanation # 1
White appearing pupil on reflex testing = retinoblastoma
Question # 2
A 4 month old male infant is brought to the pediatric clinic for a well baby visit. His birth history is unremarkable and all developmental milestones are normal for his age. A red-reflex test reveals a white reflex in the left eye and the rest of the physical exam is non-contributory. What diagnosis must be ruled out in this patient?
Explanation # 2
White appearing pupil on reflex testing = retinoblastoma
TESTABLE FACTS ABOUT THIS TOPIC (BEYOND ITS IDENTIFICATION)
Many questions on standardized exams go beyond simply recognizing the underlying topic. Often there are specific testable facts regarding some aspect of the topic’s pathophysiology/management/clinical implications that are commonly asked. Some of these are listed below:
- Cause:
- Sporadic
- Familial
- Associated malignancies (in familial retinoblastoma): osteosarcoma
Page Updated: 11.08.2016