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Retinoblastoma
by
Debra Wood, RN DefinitionRetinoblastoma is a rare type of cancer found in the eye. In retinoblastoma, one or more tumors form in the retina. The retina is a layer of light-sensitive tissue that lines the back of the eye. It converts visual images into nerve impulses in the brain that allow us to see. As with most cancers, early diagnosis and treatment lead to better outcomes.
CausesDuring early stages of fetal development, fast-growing, immature cells called retinoblasts form. Later, these cells become retinal cells. In retinoblastoma, some of these cells quickly grow out of control. If cells keep dividing uncontrollably when new cells are not needed, a mass of tissue called a tumor grows. The cancer may grow along the optic nerve and reach the brain, or it may travel to other parts of the body. Retinoblastoma is caused by defects in the retinoblastoma gene. Risk FactorsRetinoblastoma is more common in children under 5 years old. Other factors that may increase your child's chance of retinoblastoma are family members with retinoblastoma. SymptomsRetinoblastoma usually forms only in one eye, but both eyes may have tumors. Symptoms are usually noticed by the parent or caregiver and may include, but are not limited to:
DiagnosisYou will be asked about your symptoms and family medical history. A physical exam will be done. Many retinoblastomas are found during routine physical exams. If a tumor is suspected, your child will usually be referred to a specialist for a more complete eye exam. In children with a family history of the disease, eye exams often begin within 1-2 days of birth. Additional eye exams are scheduled at regular intervals thereafter. Tests may include:
The physical exam combined with all of the test results, will help to determine the stage of cancer. Staging is used to guide your child's treatment plan. Like other cancers, retinoblastoma is staged from I-IV. Stage I is a very localized cancer, while stage IV indicates a spread to other parts of the body. TreatmentTreatment depends on the stage of the cancer. Treatment aims to cure the cancer and preserve sight. Therapies may be used alone or in combination, and may include: SurgeryThis involves surgical removal of the entire eye and as much of the optic nerve as possible. The optic nerve is the nerve leading from the eye to the brain that is responsible for vision. Surgery may be used for a large tumor in one eye. Radiation TherapyThis treatment involves the use of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may be:
CryotherapyCryotherapy is the use of cold to freeze and destroy small tumors. ThermotherapyThis treatment uses heat to kill cancer cells. PhotocoagulationLasers are used to destroy a small tumor. ChemotherapyChemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. This treatment may be given in many forms including pill, injection, and through a catheter. The drugs enter the bloodstream and travel through the body killing mostly cancer cells, but also some healthy cells. PreventionPrevention and early detection techniques include:
RESOURCES:American Cancer Society http://www.cancer.org National Cancer Institute http://www.cancer.gov CANADIAN RESOURCES:BC Cancer Agency http://www.bccancer.bc.ca Canadian Cancer Society http://www.cancer.ca References:
Retinoblastoma. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115082/Retinoblastoma
. Updated June 27, 2017. Accessed December 15, 2017.
Retinoblastoma. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated August 2015. Accessed December 15, 2017. What is retinoblastoma? Eye Smart—American Academy of Ophthalmology website. Available at: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-retinoblastoma. Updated September 1, 2017. Accessed December 15, 2017. Last reviewed November 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Michael Woods, MD, FAAP Last Updated: 12/20/2014 | ||