RetinoblastomaRetinoblastoma: A Parents’ Guide to understanding the rare cancer in kids. Most parents pout in dissatisfaction or dismay upon seeing the “red eye” in their kids’ pictures. For kids, they are as frustrated and would hide the photos to avoid being taunted as “evil” with the red eye reflection. Yet, there are parents who would give off the same reaction if the pictures have their kids with white eye reflection, thinking it’s much better than the red eye. WRONG! The white eye reflection in the kids’ pupils could be that rarest among childhood cancers - retinoblastoma!Occurring before a kid reaches the age of five, retinoblastoma or Rb has been causing a huge stir among pediatric professionals. The increasing reports of babies in the womb acquiring the disease have just added to the growing concern. Retinoblastoma sets in when immature retinal cells in the eyes rapidly develop into tumors within the retina which detects light for fair vision. Though considered to have a good cure rate compared to other childhood cancers, retinoblastoma has affected a child in every 15,000 children. Around 50 cases are reported each year in the United Kingdom alone. While it could be treated if diagnosed in its early stage, many children have died because of delayed diagnosis of this rare cancer for kids below five years old.Considered to be closely related to Chromosome 13, retinoblastoma has two classifications that both happens when a cell mutates in the RB gene in the retina. The inherited form could occur in both eyes called bilateral retinoblastoma, or only in one eye. On the other hand, the non-inherited form is when the tumor occurs only in one eye or unilateral type. Over 55% of Rb cases were classified as non-genetic retinoblastoma. Genetic forms of the cancer are more likely classified as bilateral, and could be associated with pinealoblastoma. So what are the symptoms every parent should look for? The most common, apart from the white eye reflection, would be the visible white spot and abnormal pupil appearance. Some retinoblastoma cases also have symptoms of enlargement of the eye, poor vision, irritated eyes or a squint or cross-eye. There are also variations dependent on the tumor position, wherein the appearance of white spots or enlarged pupils or irritated eyes is very prominent among kids with Rb. To get the right answers and put parents at ease, it is wise to see an ophthalmologist as soon as such symptoms are observed.Like all other childhood cancers, retinoblastoma treatments come in many forms. The methods to cure the disease also vary largely from country to country, but largely depend on the individual cases of the child. Most doctors would first focus on saving the child’s life first and foremost, then focus on preserving the sight through the most apt procedure that the young body could take. Examples of the treatments for retinoblastoma include chemotherapy, cryotherapy, laser therapy, surgery or external beam radiotherapy. Some ophthalmologists also use a combination or two of these methods for best results.
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