Description
Retinoblastoma is a rare cancer of the eye. It involves the light sensing membrane in the back of the eye called the retina. It is a cancer that is often hereditary and usually affects children before the age of five. It causes five percent of all childhood blindness but, with treatment, vision can often be spared. Children diagnosed with retinoblastoma have an increased risk of other forms of cancer later in life.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include a white-appearing pupil, crossed eyes, tearing, bulging eyes, eye redness and different sized pupils.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A complete history and physical will be performed. A specific ophthalmologic exam and examination of the retina will be performed. Imaging tests such as an ultrasound, CT scan or MRI may be performed.
Tests:
CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Ultrasound
Specialists:
Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Pediatric Ophthalmology
Workup:
A complete history and physical will be performed. A specific ophthalmologic exam and examination of the retina will be performed. Imaging tests such as an ultrasound, CT scan or MRI may be performed.
Tests:
CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Ultrasound
Specialists:
Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Pediatric Ophthalmology
Treatment
Treatment varies but may include radiation, chemotherapy, laser therapy, cryotherapy, surgery or a combination of treatments.