Eye Cancer Retinoblastoma

In all actuality, the white eye reflection in the kids’ pupils could be that rarest among childhood cancers - eye cancer retinoblastoma.

Occurring before a child reaches the age of five, retinoblastoma (Rb) has been causing a huge stir among pediatric professionals.

The increasing reports of babies in the womb acquiring symptoms of retinoblastoma have added to the growing concern.

Symptoms of retinoblastoma set in when immature retinal cells in the eyes rapidly develop into tumors within the retina which detects light for vision.

Though considered to have a good cure rate compared to other childhood cancers (95-98%), eye cancer retinoblastoma has affected one child in every 15,000 children. Around 50 cases are reported each year in the United Kingdom alone.

Treatment of retinoblastoma is successful if diagnosed in early stages. However, 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 happen when a cell mutates in the RB gene in the retina.

• The inherited form that could occur in both eyes is called bilateral retinoblastoma, or in both eyes. This inherited form of retinoblastoma can be passed down to children.
• The non-inherited form is when the tumor occurs only in one eye (unilateral retinoblastoma). Over 60% of Rb cases are classified as non-genetic retinoblastoma. Genetic forms of the cancer are more likely classified as bilateral, and could be associated with pinealoblastoma.

Symptoms of Retinoblastoma

What are the symptoms of retinoblastoma eye cancer 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-eyes.
• There are also variations dependent on the tumor position. 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.
• Screening for eye cancer retinoblastoma should also be part of a baby's well check visits for the first few months. These tests could include a simple eye exam, a corneal light reflex and a red reflex test.

---




Retinoblastoma Treatment

If left untreated, retinoblastoma is fatal.


Like all other childhood cancers, retinoblastoma treatment comes 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.


Doctors will first focus on saving the child’s life, then focus on preserving the sight through the most apt procedure that the young body could take.


Examples of retinoblastoma treatment include chemotherapy, cryotherapy, laser therapy, surgery or external beam radiotherapy. Some ophthalmologists also use a combination or two of these methods for best results.




Often retinoblastoma treatment results in blindness or the loss of one or both eyes. There have also been cases of eye cancer retinoblastoma metastasizing to the brain and bones.


Again, early diagnosis and retinoblastoma treatment is critical.





Return to Top: Eye Cancer Retinoblastoma


Or....Click a button and go to:








Always consult your doctor regarding treatment options.
This site is for informational purposes only.
Copyright 2010-2012 Cancer-Aware.com, Dipple WorldWide,LLC
All Rights Reserved