Retinoblastoma is a form of eye cancer that grows in the retina, the lining of the back part of the eye. In most cases, retinoblastoma occurs in young children, but may occasionally appear in adults. Symptoms may include a white appearance to the center of the pupil, misaligned eyes, redness or swelling around the eyes. Knowing the cause of retinoblastoma may help in understanding how to diagnose and treat this form of eye cancer.
Gene Mutation
Retinoblastoma occurs as a result of gene mutations that cause uncontrolled cell growth. For many people, the condition may not have any hereditary factors. In some families, one or more family members may have a history of retinoblastoma, and in these cases, a child born into a family with a history of retinoblastoma has a 50 percent chance of having this form of cancer, explains MedlinePlus. Since doctors have no way of preventing the gene mutation from occurring, a couple with a family history of retinoblastoma should consider genetic counseling before starting a family.
Diagnosis
The cancerous growth on the retina will affect vision, and this symptom, along with physical signs of changes to the eye, will often lead a parent to contact an eye doctor. The doctor will perform an eye examination, and he will likely note retinoblastoma during this evaluation. He may order tests, such as an ultrasound, CT scan or MRI to determine the extent of the growth, states MayoClinic.com. The tests help determine if the tumor spread into other tissues. Once an eye doctor diagnoses retinoblastoma and conducts testing, he will usually refer the child to a cancer specialist for evaluation and necessary treatment.
Treatment
Early detection and treatment will give the patient the best outlook. Depending on the extent of the cancer, a doctor may recommend using a laser to burn the tumor and stop the growth. He may also recommend cryotherapy, which freezes the tumor. As well, a doctor may suggest radiation treatment, chemotherapy or a combination of the two in order to treat retinoblastoma. In some cases, a surgeon may need to remove the affected eye to prevent the cancer from spreading, notes MedlinePlus.
