Retinoblastoma Symptoms

When cells multiply at a quick rate in one's eye, these are known as retinoblasts, that then form in the retina, which when exposed to light, deciphers colors and images. When specialized cells in the eye don't stop the production of cells, it forms a tumor in the retina. These then grow, filling out the vitreous humor, which is the soft substance that fills one's eyeball. These can break off and spread to other areas of the eyeballs and then catch onto the lymph nodes and other organs. It usually occurs in young children. It can be present in both eyes, or in a single one, and is cancerous in nature.

The cause of this is that one can have a history of this problem in their past - therefore it is important to have yourself checked on frequently, in order to catch this at its earliest stage. Tests are then done to check on the size of the tumor and if it has spread to neighboring tissues. Retinoblastoma protein is abbreviated as pRb, or Rb, and is a tumor suppressor protein, that doesn't function effectively when it comes to different kinds of cancers. The purpose of this protein is to stunt cell growth by intervening in the cell cycle, until a cell is ready to undergo division.

Retinoblastoma Symptoms in Young Children

The retinoblastoma signs can range from obvious to not so evident, ranging on its progression. This takes place in different stages, which we will discuss in a bit. Identify these with your child, and have it checked out without losing time.

• Eyes are tinged with red.
• Cross-eyed (strabismus).
• Pain residing in the eyes.
• Eye looks swollen.
• Eyes aren't focused in one direction.
• Blurred vision
• A white spot is clearly seen in the center of the pupil when light is shown into it.
• Pupils remain dilated.
• Leukocoria (cat eye effect)

Stages of Retinoblastoma

There are three stages of this eye problem, which is further discussed in the three following ways.

Intraocular Retinoblastoma
This is the initial stage of the cancerous tumor's presence, but it hasn't spread to other parts of the eye as yet. It has five grades, from A to E, relying on the size of the tumor and how much damage it has subjected to the eye. The tissue in this stage is unaffected, since this is just the beginning of the tumor's formation.

Extraocular Retinoblastoma
This stage is when the tissues are now damaged by the spread of the tumor to the surrounding area, which can also travel to other parts beyond the eye, if left untreated.

Recurrent Retinoblastoma
This is when the cancer returns even after it has been given treatment. This can either occur within the eye, or start to spread to other parts beyond the eye itself.

Retinoblastoma Treatment

The options available for patients will be suggested by doctors according to how far the disease has spread.

Surgery
The eye that has the tumor in it, is removed, by undergoing a procedure called enucleation. The vision in this eye is lost, since the tumor is now overgrown; a prosthesis is fitted into the eyeball socket.

Plaque
A radiation disc is placed just above the tumor, which destroys the cancerous cells of the tumor that aren't very large, but medium in size. This treatment method is opted for, if all other kinds have failed.

Chemotherapy
With the use of cytotoxic drugs, the cancer cells are destroyed, to help shrink the tumor ultimately. If it spreads to other parts of the body, this method would rid the cancer cells from there as well.

Thermotherapy
A laser is used to introduce heat directed towards the cancer cells, which is destroyed under its line of attack. This is done by using a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, to act on this laser eye surgery method.

Radiotherapy
High energy rays are used to destroy cells, while normal cells are dodged as much as possible from its effect. This is another method used when all other treatment methods fail.

Cryotherapy
This is done on a monthly basis, where the cancerous tumor is frozen, to avoid it from further spreading its damaging effects.

The retinoblastoma symptoms should be verified once you know how to identify these when noticed in children and older people, to get the proper eye care one needs. Have monthly check ups done especially if the disease is hereditary in nature. Stay safe.