Healthcare Providers Involved in Retinoblastoma Treatments
Your child's
retinoblastoma treatment plan will probably be overseen by a pediatric oncologist -- a doctor who specializes in treating children with cancer. The pediatric oncologist works with other pediatric doctors who are experts in treating children with eye cancer and who specialize in certain areas of medicine. These may include a pediatric ophthalmologist (children's eye doctor) with a lot of experience in treating retinoblastoma, as well as the following specialists:
- Pediatric surgeon
- Pediatric hematologist
- Radiation oncologist
- Neurologist
- Pediatric nurse specialist
- Rehabilitation specialist
- Psychologist
- Social worker
- Geneticist.
Sometimes it is helpful to have a second opinion about the diagnosis and the retinoblastoma treatment plan. Some insurance companies require a second opinion; others may cover a visit for a second opinion if the patient or doctor requests it.
Specific Retinoblastoma Treatments
The doctor is the best person to describe the retinoblastoma treatments that may be appropriate as well as the expected results of each. The doctor and patient (or his or her family) can work together to develop a retinoblastoma treatment plan that fits the patient's needs.
In general, retinoblastoma treatments include:
- Enucleation
- Radiation therapy
- Cryotherapy
- Photocoagulation
- Thermotherapy
- Chemotherapy
- A combination of these methods.
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