Retinoblastoma is a rare type of cancer that affects the eyes. It usually occurs in children, but can happen in adults as well. The cancer develops in the retina, which is the layer of light-sensitive tissue in the back of the eye.
The majority of retinoblastomas are malignant, meaning that they are aggressive and can spread to other parts of the body. However, it is possible for retinoblastoma to be benign, or non-cancerous. Benign retinoblastomas usually grow slowly and remain localized, meaning that they do not spread to other parts of the body.
Signs and Symptoms of Benign Retinoblastoma
The signs and symptoms of benign retinoblastoma may include:
• Eye pain
• Blurred vision
• Eye redness or swelling
• A white reflection in the pupil of the eye
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Floaters in the field of vision
Diagnosis of Benign Retinoblastoma
A doctor may diagnose benign retinoblastoma with a physical exam and imaging tests. These tests may include a fundus examination, which is an examination of the back of the eye using a special microscope; an ultrasound, which uses sound waves to create an image of the eye; or a CT scan, which uses X-rays to create a detailed image of the eye.
Treatment of Benign Retinoblastoma
The treatment of benign retinoblastoma depends on the size and location of the tumor. In some cases, the tumor may be monitored with regular eye exams and imaging tests.
If the tumor is small and not causing any symptoms, a doctor may recommend cryotherapy, which uses extreme cold temperatures to destroy the cancer cells. In cases where the tumor is large and causing symptoms, a doctor may recommend surgery to remove the tumor. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted drug therapy may also be used to treat the tumor.