What You Need To Know About Retinoblastoma

What You Need To Know About Retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma is a rare form of cancer that rapidly develops from the immature cells of a retina (the light detecting tissue of the eye). It is the most common primary malignant intraocular cancer found in children.

This condition can be hereditary or non-hereditary. In all cases early screening is important to detect the cancer in its beginning stages. However, importance of screening is magnified in children with family history of retinoblastoma, they need to be examined by an eye doctor. Hence, eye doctors should regularly examine young children's eye and parents should be aware of retinoblastoma signs and symptoms which includes:

1.Crossed eye (Strabismus) 

2.Deterioration of vision 

3.Red and irritated eye with glaucoma 

4.Eye enlargement 

5.Changes in the color of the iris

6.Faltering growth or delayed development 

Due to this cancer, there is an abnormal appearance of the retina as viewed through the pupil,  the medical term is 'leukocoria' also known as amaurotic cat's eye reflex, which is the most common and obvious sign. 

Retinoblastoma specialists agree that early detection leads to high cure rate but if diagnosis is delayed, it can result in loss of an eye and even death.