Retinoblastoma is a childhood eye cancer called the white monster in children’s eyes. An alteration of red reflex, asymmetrical red reflex, or white reflex in the centre of an eye or both eyes, seen while taking a picture, is an alarming sign of eye cancer called retinoblastoma.
It basically begins in the retina, the sensitive lining on the inside of your eye. Retina is the area which works with brain to help people see. The retina is located in the back of the eye and has layers of cells that senses light and sends information to the brain.
Who is at risk?
This rare kind of eye cancer most commonly affects young children younger than five years of age. However, the disease is usually picked up before a child is one year old. It affects either one or both eyes severely. But if the condition affects just one eye, it tends to be diagnosed later. It can rarely occur in adults.
Causes
According to the National Health Services, retinoblastoma occurs due to genetic mutations, with alterations in the gene RB1. The mutation makes the eye cells grow uncontrollably, forming a tumour.
Doctors say around 40 per cent of the time, the child inherits the RB1 mutation from a parent, and the rest 60 per cent of cases see the changes in genes occurring spontaneously.
Symptoms
According to doctors, retinoblastoma completely changes a child’s vision and how their eyes appear. These symptoms include white pupil (at certain angles or in a photo that used a flash), leukocoria, crossed eyes (squint), strabismus, red or inflamed eyes, and pain and sensitivity.
Treatment
Usually, a combination of treatments is used, like Chemotherapy, Cryotherapy, Thermotherapy and Laser therapy.
According to health experts, if it is diagnosed early, retinoblastoma can often be successfully treated, as estimates say more than 9 out of 10 children with the condition are successfully cured.