What is retinoblastoma?

Fortunately Retinoblastoma is a rare tumor that affects the retina and that in half of the cases have a hereditary character. Typically manifest before six years of age and generally between the first and second year of the child and can affect one or both eyes.

Symptoms of retinoblastoma
The most important warning sign that should draw the attention of parents is that the photos that he made the child with the pupil leaves flash white color instead of red.

It is what is known in ophthalmology as white spots and should lead parents to consult as soon as possible with the specialist. However, other symptoms may occur:
Misaligned eyes.
Squinting in the eyes converge towards the same point.
Double vision.
Red eye pain.
Impaired visual acuity.
The iris is a different color in each eye.

Moreover, in the event that there has been the spread of cancer may have other symptoms, depending on the affected areas: eye socket, brain, lung and bone.

Diagnosis and treatment of retinoblastoma
To confirm the diagnosis of retinoblastoma it is necessary to conduct a thorough examination eye eye dilated, along with a head and eye ultrasound, CT or MRI. When the tumor is very aggressive it may be desirable to perform a bone marrow biopsy and cerebrospinal fluid examination, in order to confirm a possible spread of the tumor.

This type of cancer is curable in most cases, but this should not be extended beyond the eye. If the cancer has spread to other organs significantly reduces the chances of cure. We must also bear in mind that this type of cancer can lead to loss of the eye or it goes blind.

The size and location of retinoblastoma determine the course of treatment. Treatment options depend on the size and location of the tumor. Smaller be treated by laser surgery or cryotherapy (freezing the tumor tissue. However, surgery can be supplemented with chemotherapy, which in any case be applied when the tumor is large or has spread. Sometimes, if the tumor is very aggressive, initial treatment is enucleation (removal) of the affected eye, which can also occur when there has been no response to previous treatments.