Retinoblastoma

Oct 11, 2009 | Comments 0

Retinoblastoma is a condition caused due to the formation of malignant or cancer cells in the tissues present in the retina.

Though retinoblastoma might surface irrespective of age, it is generally observed among infants below 5 years. The tumor might affect one or both the eyes, though it is quite atypically noted to metastasize to the adjacent tissues or other areas of the body. Retinoblastoma is generally detected in just one eye and could generally be treated.

Retinoblastoma – Due to gene mutation transferred to the off-spring

Retinoblastoma is at times inheritable. When it occurs due to inherent gene mutation, it is known as hereditary retinoblastoma. It has generally been observed to affect the younger age bracket than retinoblastoma that is non-inheritable. Retinoblastoma occurring in just one eye is generally non-inherent in nature. Retinoblastoma occurring in both eyes is always genetic. Hereditary retinoblastoma initially occurring in just one eye is likely to imminently affect the other eye. Following detection of retinoblastoma in one eye, follow-up examinations must be carried out at regular intervals of two to four months for no less than twenty-eight months. On conclusion of the retinoblastoma treatment, it is crucial that follow-up examinations be continued till the child reaches five years of age.

Treating both kinds of retinoblastomas must comprise of genetic advice being furnished by trained professionals regarding genetic diseases. Siblings of an infant that has retinoblastoma would also need to be regularly examined by an ophthalmologist and genetic counselling sessions be offered regarding the risks of getting cancer.

Infants having hereditary retinoblastoma more prone to trilateral retinoblastoma and other cancers

An infant with hereditary retinoblastoma is more prone to pineal tumors that might develop in the brain. This is known as trilateral retinoblastoma. Timely follow-up examinations employing Magentic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or computerised tomography (CT) scan for checking for this atypical condition is crucial while treating retinoblastoma and must be consistently followed till the child is five years of age. Children having hereditary retinoblastoma are also more prone to contracting other kinds of cancers during the later part of their lives.

Retinoblastoma Symptoms:

The pupil of the eye appearing white rather than red when any light is focused on it. This might be perceivable in flash snaps of the infant.
Eyes seem to looking in diverse directions.
Pain and discomfort experienced in the eye and reddening.

Diagnosis & Tests:

The below-stated test and procedures could be conducted:

Physical examination: During the physical exam, the body is checked for overall signs of health inclusive of any symptoms of diseases like lumps or any dubious occurrence. The person’s history in reference to family history, past medical conditions and health habits are also probed.
Eye examination with pupil dilatation: Pupil dilatation or opening wider by using medicinal eye drops aids in easier viewing via the lens and pupil to the retinal area. An examination of the inner area of the eye inclusive of the retina and the optic nerve is carried out using an illuminated source. Dependent on what the age of the child is, the examination is performed after administering anesthesia.
Ultrasound Examination: During this procedure echoes are produced by the high-energy ultrasound or sound waves that rebound off the surfaces of internal tissues or organs. These echoes form an image of the tissues it bounces off known as sonogram.
CAT or CT scan: During this procedure, arrays of high-definition images of the internal organs like the eye are produced from varied angles by linking an x-ray machine to the computer. An intravenous dye injection might be given or ingested so that the images of the organs or tissues appear more lucidly on the CAT scan also referred to as the computed tomography, computerised tomography or computerised axial tomography.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): Employing a magnet, radio waves and a computer, a series of in-depth images of the internal organs of the body like the eye are taken. Such a procedure is also known as NMRI or nuclear magnetic resonance imaging.

Retinoblastoma is generally detected without the need of carrying out a biopsy (tissue/cell removal for microscopic analysis to diagnose for the presence of cancer).