Retinoblastoma and Other Risk Factors
A child who has hereditary retinoblastoma is at risk for developing pineal tumors in the brain. This is called trilateral retinoblastoma. Regular follow-up exams to check for this rare condition are important during treatment and for at least four years after the child is diagnosed with retinoblastoma. Hereditary retinoblastoma also increases the child's risk of developing other types of cancer in later years.
Symptoms of Retinoblastoma
Retinoblastoma symptoms can include the following:
- The pupil of the eye appears white instead of red when light shines into it. This may be seen in flash photographs of the child.
- Eyes appear to be looking in different directions (crossed eyes).
- Pain or redness in the eye.
These possible symptoms are not sure signs of retinoblastoma. Other, less serious, health problems can also cause these symptoms. Anyone with these possible
symptoms of retinoblastoma should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Diagnosing Retinoblastoma
If a person has possible symptoms of retinoblastoma, the doctor may do a physical exam and ask about the patient's personal and family medical history. In order to help diagnose retinoblastoma, the doctor will also recommend additional tests and procedures that examine the eye.
- Eye exam with dilated pupil
- Ultrasound
- CT (computed tomography) scan
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
A retinoblastoma diagnosis is usually made without a biopsy (removal of cells or tissues so they can be viewed under a microscope to check for signs of cancer).
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