Retinoblastoma Treatment
Retinoblastoma: An Overview
Retinoblastoma is a rare cancer of the eye, which most commonly occurs in children. It is one of the types of eye cancer that arises from the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive lining on the inside of our eye. It is composed of nerve tissue that senses the light falling on it once it enters the eye. After detecting the light, the retina uses the optic nerve to send signals to the brain, which are finally interpreted as /images.
Retinoblastoma is a severe condition that leads to vision loss and can result in death if it is not treated in time. However, early retinoblastoma treatment not just saves a life but in many cases, even the affected eye can be saved.
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Retinoblastoma Symptoms
Retinoblastoma mostly affects infants and children, usually younger than six years of age. It can either affect only one eye or both. Though symptoms of retinoblastoma may be hard to detect, here are some signs that you may notice:
-
White eye reflection in the eyes of kids:
The presence of a white-coloured reflex shining at the centre of the eye when light falls on it, like the flash of a camera. -
Swelling or bulging of the eye:
The affected eye may appear more prominent than the other. -
Squint:
Both the eyes may appear to be looking in different directions. -
Decrease of Vision:
The affected eye may seem wandering or not fixating on objects.
Retinoblastoma Causes
Genetic mutations cause retinoblastoma in the eye; the damaging cells keep growing and multiplying abnormally. Due to this unhealthy growth, the accumulating mass of cells eventually forms a tumour.
Retinoblastoma can also spread, in some cases, to other parts of the body, including the brain.
A family history concerning this eye disorder is also one of the causes of retinoblastoma. It can be inherited from the family. However, it may also occur when there is no family history regarding this eye condition.
What should I do if I suspect retinoblastoma?
Tests To Diagnose Retinoblastoma
| Step-1 | You should make an appointment with the doctor when you notice any significant change to your child’s eyes. |
|---|---|
| Step-2 | After the initial check-up, you must seek the opinion of an ocular oncologist, specialists who treat eye cancers. An Ocular oncologist will confirm or rule out the presence of Retinoblastoma. |
| Step-3 | As part of retinoblastoma diagnosis, the ocular oncologist will prescribe some tests such as an ultrasound of the eye, MRI or CT scan of eyes, and a proper examination under anaesthesia. |
| Step-4 | Based on the results of complete evaluation, your doctor will customise a treatment plan for your child |
Objectives of Retinoblastoma Treatment
To save the life of the child by getting rid of the eye cancer
To protect as much vision as possible
Decrease the risk of late sequelae of the infection p>
Support available for economically underprivileged patients of
Retinoblastoma.
Retinoblastoma Helpline no. (For Appointment)
9560080855 | 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Explore FAQs
Can retinoblastoma be prevented?
If a child has a heritable form of retinoblastoma, then regular check-up
for the kid becomes vital. If the child is screened carefully, then early
detection can help treat the condition successfully.
What are the important factors that determine retinoblastoma treatment?
Retinoblastoma treatment depends upon several factors like:
● The size of the tumour
● Location within the eye of tumour
● If the tumour is in one eye or both
● If the tumour has spread outside the eye
What are the risks of retinoblastoma surgery?
Infection, bleeding, and implant-related complications are risks related
to retinoblastoma surgery which involves removal of the affected eye.
My child is diagnosed with retinoblastoma. How can the family cope with this?
Getting to know that anybody has cancer, is a feeling of shock, sadness
and disbelief. You can help your child in several ways:
● Make your family’s support system network secure. Being around family
and friends can help a lot to feel positive.
● Collect enough information about the condition that can help you make
informed decisions.
● Discuss freely with your doctor about your apprehensions
● Understand that results of treatment are good and most children are
able to have a normal life, provided the disease is diagnosed early
What is enucleation?
Enucleation is surgery in which the patients diseased eye is completely
removed. During enucleation, the eye muscles and associated orbital contents
are left untouched.
What happens, post-enucleation surgery?
Post-enucleation retinoblastoma surgery, the eye surgeon places an artificial
eye implant in the socket of the eyes. Then, eye muscles are attached to
the artificial eye implant. It looks like natural eyes, but cannot see.
But, it does move to some extent.
Who gets retinoblastoma?
Retinoblastoma occurs mostly in children under the age of six. About forty
percent of cases of retinoblastoma are inherited. Regular eye checkups
for your child can help massively as retinoblastoma treatment can be more
effective if the disease is detected early on.
What is chemo reduction?
One of the ways chemotherapy is used is chemo reduction. In chemo reduction,
drugs are used to shrink tumours that have not spread outside the eyes.
What are the side-effects of chemotherapy?
Possible side-effects of chemotherapy are hair loss, loss of appetite,
constipation, fatigue, mouth sores, vomiting, and bleeding.
Centre for Sight won the prestigious Frost & Sullivan award as the Eye care provider company of the year 2010 & 2014, an affirmation of its values. Centre for Sight was awarded the prestigious FICCI Healthcare Excellence award for.
Centre for Sight won the prestigious Frost & Sullivan award as the Eye care provider company of the year 2010 & 2014, an affirmation of its values. Centre for Sight was awarded the prestigious FICCI Healthcare Excellence award for.
