Enucleation
Enucleation is surgery to remove the eye and part of the optic nerve. The eye will be examined using a microscope to see if there are any signs that the cancer is likely to spread to other parts of the body. Doctors use this treatment in cases where the tumor is large and there is little or no chance that vision can be saved. The patient will be fitted for an artificial eye after this surgery.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells. There are two primary ways in which radiation therapy is administered:
- External radiation therapy uses a machine outside the body to send radiation toward the cancer
- Internal radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance sealed in needles, seeds, wires, plaques, or catheters that are placed directly into or near the cancer.
The way the radiation therapy is given depends on the type and stage of the cancer being treated.
Methods of radiation therapy used to treat
retinoblastoma include the following:
- Intensity-modulated radiation therapy
- Stereotactic radiation therapy
- Proton beam radiation therapy
- Plaque radiotherapy.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is a treatment that uses an instrument to freeze and destroy abnormal tissue, such as carcinoma, right where it is. This type of treatment is also called cryosurgery.
Photocoagulation
Photocoagulation is a procedure that uses laser light to destroy blood vessels to the tumor, causing the tumor cells to die. Photocoagulation may be used to treat small tumors. This is also called light coagulation.
Previous
Add this article to your Favorites
Email this article
Print