Beware Of Retinoblastoma, A Rare Form Of Eye Cancer That Targets Infants
New Delhi: Retinoblastoma, or a rare eye cancer in children, mostly infants, affects either one or both eyes severely. Most of the time, the disease is picked up before a child is one year old. But if the disease affects just one eye, it tends to be diagnosed later. 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. Doctors say Retinoblastoma develops on the retina, the area which works with your brain to help you see. The retina is located in the back of your eye and has layers of cells that sense light and send information to your brain. What causes eye cancer? 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 tumor. 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. According to a study by the American Society of Clinical Oncologists, children who develop tumors in both eyes, the tumors may form at the same time or they can grow months or years apart. Children who have nonheritable retinoblastoma develop tumors in only one eye. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1452/Signs and symptoms Retinoblastoma, according to doctors, completely changes a childs vision and the way their eyes appear. These symptoms include: White pupil or leukocoria It is the first sign of cancer in which the pupil looks white and cloudy. It may always be dilated. The pupil may look white at certain angles or in a photo that used a flash. Crossed eyes or strabismus In this, the eyes begin to look misaligned or squint Red or inflamed eyes Cancer also causes severe inflammation and irritation, causing pain and sensitivity Treatments Doctors say the sooner this cancer is diagnosed and found, the greater the chances are that your childs vision can be saved and restored. Usually, a combination of treatments is used like: ChemotherapyIf the cancer has not spread, chemotherapy works wonders for the treatment. Many times, the drugs are injected directly into the eye or the blood vessels. If retinoblastoma has spread, oral medications may also be prescribed. Cryotherapy A touch with a super-cooled metal probe freezes and kills cancer cells. This works best on small tumors near the front of the eye. Thermotherapy It has a special laser that kills cancer cells with heat and is used mostly on small tumours. Laser therapy It helps destroy the blood vessels that supply the tumor. Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.
Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at 4:45 am