What is Retinoblastoma ?

Retinoblastoma is a cancer of the retina (the area behind the eye that is sensitive to light) that strikes children younger than 5 years. Two percent of cancer in childhood is retinoblastoma.


CAUSE
The reason is the absence of tumor suppressor genes, that are likely to be lowered. Approximately 10% of patients with retinoblastoma have a relative who also suffered from retinoblastoma and get the genes from their parents. Cancer can strike one or both eyes. Cancer can spread to the lower eyelids and into the brain (through the nerves of sight / optic nerve).


SYMPTOMS
Symptoms include:
- The pupils are white
- The eyes squint (strabismus).
- Eyes red and painful
- Impaired vision
- Iris in both eyes having different color
- Can occur blindness.


Diagnosis
Regular checks carried out:

* Examination of the eyes in a state of dilated pupils
* CT scan of the head
* Ultrasound of the eye (ekoensefalogram head and eyes)
* Examination of cerebrospinal fluid
* Examination of the bone marrow.


TREATMENT
Treatment depends on the size and location of the tumor. Small tumors can be treated with laser surgery. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are used on tumors that have spread beyond the eye. If the cancer does not respond to treatment, may need to be removed. If the cancer only affects one eye, then the whole eyeball removed along with some optic nerve.

If the cancer affects both eyes, use a special micro-surgical techniques to remove or destroy the tumor, so that both eyes should not be removed. Or one eye is removed and the other eye done or micro-surgery radiation therapy (to control tumors). Done eye examination every 2-4 months. If the cancer recur, chemotherapy can be repeated.


PREVENTION
If in families there is a history of retinoblastoma, genetic counseling should follow to help predict the risk of retinoblastoma in the offspring.