Retinoblastoma is a cancer of one or both eyes, which occurs in young children. The retinoblastoma tumor(s) originate in the retina, the light sensitive layer of the eye, which enables the eye to see. This cancer is adventitious and progressive.

Symptoms

Majority of Retinoblastoma patients present with a white pupil reflex instead of a healthy black pupil or instead of seeing red eyes in a photograph you would see white pupils. The second most common way Retinoblastoma presents itself would be crossed eyes in which the child’s eye may turn inward or outward. Other symptoms that may present themselves include painful eye, poor vision, inflammation of tissue surrounding the eye, enlarged or dilated pupil, malformed ears, or extra fingers and toes.

*Symptoms of Retinoblastoma are usually first detected by the parent.

Did you Know?

  • Retinoblastoma is a cancer
  • Retinoblastoma is the most common eye cancer in children
  • Retinoblastoma is about as common as hemophilia
  • Retinoblastoma affects boys as commonly as girls
  • The average age for diagnosis of retinoblastoma when one eye is involved is 2.5 years
  • Retinoblastoma affects all races equally

Treatment

  • Enucleated-The eye will be removed. A ball of plastic, glass, or coral will be placed in the eye cavity so there will not be a hole. The surrounding area will be treated.
  • Radiation
  • Laser Therapy will destroy small Retinoblastoma tumors. Laser treatment is done under local or general anesthesia, usually does not have any post-operative pain associated with it, and does not require any post-operative medications.

References

Abramson, D. Parents Guide to Understanding Retinoblastoma Retrieved on June 18, 2011 from

Finger, P. (n.d.). Eye Cancer. Doctor-approved cancer information from ASCO | Cancer.Net. Retrieved June 18, 2011, from

Learn About Cancer. (2010, Jul9). American Cancer Society: Information and Resources for Cancer: Breast, Colon, Prostate, Lung and Other Forms. Retrieved July 17, 2010, from

Retinoblastoma. (n.d.). Retinoblastoma information as well as other eye cancers and eye tumors. Retrieved June 18, 2011, from

Vang, C. (2009, February 13). UW Eye Research Institute. UW Eye Research Institute-Point of View, Fall 2007. Retrieved June 18, 2011, from