What is Retinoblastoma?
Retinoblastoma is a rare type of eye cancer that primarily affects children under the age of five. It develops in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to preserving vision and preventing the spread of cancer.
Symptoms of Retinoblastoma in Children
- Leukocoria (white pupil) – A white glow in the eye, especially visible in photos with flash.
- Strabismus (crossed eyes) – Misalignment of the eyes.
- Redness or swelling in the eye without infection.
- Poor vision or loss of vision in one eye.
Treatment Options for Retinoblastoma in Children
1. Laser Therapy (Photocoagulation & Thermotherapy)
- Uses focused laser beams to destroy small tumors.
- Effective for early-stage retinoblastoma.
2. Cryotherapy (Freezing Treatment)
- Extreme cold is applied to freeze and kill cancer cells.
- Suitable for small tumors located in the front part of the retina.
3. Chemotherapy
- Systemic Chemotherapy – Drugs are given intravenously to shrink tumors.
- Intra-Arterial Chemotherapy – Medicine is delivered directly into the eye’s blood vessels.
- Intravitreal Chemotherapy – Used if cancer has spread into the vitreous gel.
4. Radiation Therapy
- Brachytherapy (Plaque Therapy) – A small radioactive device is placed near the tumor.
- External Beam Radiation – Used in advanced cases but may have side effects.
5. Surgical Removal (Enucleation)
- The eye is removed if the tumor is too large or vision cannot be saved.
- An artificial eye (prosthesis) is fitted for cosmetic purposes.
6. Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy
- Emerging treatments that focus on specific cancer cells with fewer side effects.
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