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Diagnosing Retinoblastoma
The Retinoblastoma tumor develops from the immature retina and affects about 1
in 20,000 children. There are two basic types of retinoblastomas:
Heredity forms: usually results in tumors in both eyes
Non-heredity forms: usually affects one eye.
Left untreated retinoblastoma is usually always fatal. However, early diagnosis
and treatment increases the chance of survival to 90%.
Diagnosis:
Screening by Pediatricians should be done during the first three months of a
baby's life. At a minimum the doctor should conduct the following:
The Red Reflex: A test that determines the normal path of light reflected from
the eye as light passes through.
The Corneal Light Reflex: A test that helps determine if eyes are crossed. Light
is shined into each cornea and a symmetrical beam of light is reflected back in
the same spot on each eye.
An Eye Examination: to check for any basic structural abnormalities.
At the age between 3 and 5, the child should be evaluated for the following:
- visual acuity,
- color vision and
- depth perception.
Treatment:
There are several methods of treatment that are successful for Retinoblastoma:
Laser therapy: used to reduce the blood flow to the tumor by destroying the
blood vessels surrounding the tumor
Cryotherapy: Cold gas is injected to shrink the tumor.
Thermotherapy: Heat is added to destroy the tumor cells.
Radiotherapy: A last resort method that destroys the tumor cells but also has
the drawback of destroying healthy tissue.
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