ABOUT THE DISEASE
Retinoblastoma is an eye cancer that begins in the retina, the sensitive lining on the inside of eye, that detects light and colour. It most commonly affects young children (below 5 years of age), but can rarely occur in adults.
More than 90% of children can be cured of retinoblastoma by early detection and treatment of the affected eye.
SYMPTOMS
- • Most common first sign is appearance of whiteness in the pupil called "cats eye reflex" or leukocoria, particularly seen in photographs taken with a flash
- • Eyes that appear to be looking in different directions (strabismus)
- • Redness/swelling/pain in the eye
- • Blindness/poor vision in affected eye
CAUSES
Mutations in the RB1 gene are responsible for most cases of retinoblastoma. RB1 is a tumor suppressor gene, which normally regulates cell growth and keeps cells from dividing too rapidly or in an uncontrolled way. These mutations cause the cells to continue growing and multiplying, leading to formation of tumor.
Retinoblastoma cells can invade further into the eye and nearby structures. It can also spread (metastasize) to other areas of the body, including the brain and spine.
Retinoblastoma can be either hereditary or non-hereditary.
DIAGNOSIS
- Eye examination
- Imaging tests-CT/MRI
TREATMENT METHODS
Major Options include:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy, can be Internal radiation (brachytherapy)or External beam radiation.
- Surgery- Enucleation (removal of eye).
- Other options include laser therapy (Photocoagulation), freezing therapy (cryotherapy).
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