Retinoblastoma Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Retinoblastoma is a cancer of the retina, which is the sensitive lining that lies on the inside of the eye. If detected early, retinoblastoma can generally be treated successfully.
The retina is formed from a network of nerves that can detect light when it appears in front of the eye. The retina then sends signals through the optic nerve to the brain, which then interprets these signals as images.
Retinoblastoma is a rare type of eye cancer, but it is also the most common type of cancer in children’s eyes. This condition can affect one or both eyes.
Retinoblastoma Symptom
Because retinoblastoma most often affects infants and younger children, the symptoms that are encountered are rarely noticed. Some of the symptoms that can occur are:
- A white outline in the center circle of the eye (pupil) when light is shone at the eye, such as when taking a flash photo.
- Both eyes seem to be looking in different directions.
- Red eye.
- Swollen eyes.
Retinoblastoma Reason
Retinoblastoma occurs when retinal nerve cells develop genetic mutations. These mutations can cause cells to grow and multiply. The accumulated mass of cells then forms a tumor.
Retinoblastoma cells can attack the eye and surrounding tissue. Retinoblastoma can also spread to other parts of the body, including the brain and spine.
In most cases, it is not clear what causes the genetic mutation that causes retinoblastoma. However, there are allegations that parents pass this genetic mutation on to their children.
Diagnosis
Examinations and procedures that can be performed to determine the diagnosis of retinoblastoma include:
- Physical examination of the eyes. The doctor can do a physical examination of the eye to determine the cause of a symptom of a disorder in children. For a more detailed examination, the doctor can suggest anesthesia so that the child is more calm.
- Imaging examination. Imaging tests can help your doctor determine if the retinoblastoma has affected other structures around the eye. Some of the imaging tests that can be done are ultrasonography, computerized tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Retinoblastoma Treatment
Treatment for retinoblastoma depends on a variety of factors, including the size and location of the cancer, whether or not it has spread to other areas beyond the eyes, the child’s general health condition, and personal preference. If possible, the doctor will determine the best option to maintain vision.
Treatment options that can be done include:
- Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is a treatment that contains chemicals to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be given in pill form or through a vein.
In children with retinoblastoma, chemotherapy can help shrink tumors so that other therapies, such as radiation therapy, cryotherapy, laser therapy, and so on, can be used to treat remaining cancer cells.
- Radiation therapy. Radiation therapy uses high levels of rays, such as X-rays, to damage cancer cells.
- Laser therapy. Laser therapy uses laser light to damage blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to cancer cells. Without this source of supply, cancer cells cannot survive.
- Surgery. If the tumor is very large and cannot be treated with other methods, surgery can be performed to treat retinoblastoma.
In these situations, surgery to remove the eye can help prevent the cancer from spreading to other parts of the body. Surgical techniques for retinoblastoma include surgery to remove the eye with retinoblastoma, surgery to place eye implants, and surgery to use artificial eyes.
Prevention
In most cases, the exact cause of retinoblastoma is not known. Therefore, there is no specific way that has been proven to prevent the disease from occurring.
However, in families with an inherited history of retinoblastoma, genetic examination can help families to determine the risk of retinoblastoma in children. Thus retinoblastoma can be diagnosed very early when the size of the tumor is still very small.
If treated early, the chance to experience recovery and maintain vision is still possible.
Genetic testing can also be used to find out some other information, such as:
- Children with retinoblastoma are at risk for other types of cancer.
- Other children have a risk of developing retinoblastoma or other types of cancer, so eye examinations can be done from an early age.