Retinoblastoma is a fast growing malignant tumor of the retina. This cancer mainly affects children under the age of 6 and is more often than not diagnosed in children ages 1-2 years.
Symptoms and signs of Retinoblastoma range from the most apparent sign such as a peculiar appearance (white glow) of the pupil to less specific or common signs such as a red and irritated eye, degeneration of vision, the iris may be a different color in each eye, or stalled growth or delayed maturation. The eyes of some children with Retinoblastoma can become cross-eyed.
Retinoblastoma happens when a cell of a developing retina forms an anomaly and grows out of control and becomes cancerous. This cancer can be a genetic, inherited form or non-genetic, non-inherited form and can affect one or both eyes.
To diagnose a child, an eye examination with dilation of the pupil is needed along with an ultrasound of the eye. A CT scan or MRI of the head should also be done to assess the tumor and the risk of the cancer spreading.
Almost all patients can be cured if the cancer has not extended beyond the eye. In the case of a tumor spreading past the eye, such as the brain, lungs and bones, the possibility of a cure is reduced. The course of action in treating Retinoblastoma will be contingent on each individual case. Options include chemotherapy laser therapy, radioactive plaques, cryotherapy, surgery or a collaboration of any of these treatments.
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