Retinoblastoma: What Is It?
Retinoblastoma is a rare form of eye cancer that mainly affects young children. It occurs when cells in the retina become cancerous and begin to grow out of control. The cancer typically affects only one eye, but in some cases, it can spread to the other eye or to other parts of the body. It is important to detect retinoblastoma as early as possible to improve the chances of successful treatment.
How Long Can Retinoblastoma Go Undetected?
It is difficult to determine how long retinoblastoma can go undetected because it can vary from person to person. In some cases, the cancer may go undetected for months or even years. Early signs of retinoblastoma, such as a white pupil, can be difficult to spot and may not be noticed until the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body. It is important to have regular eye exams, even when there are no symptoms, as this can help detect the cancer in its early stages.
How Is Retinoblastoma Diagnosed?
If a doctor suspects that a child may have retinoblastoma, they will carry out a number of tests to confirm the diagnosis. These tests may include an eye exam, imaging tests such as a CT or MRI scan, and a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells.
What Are the Treatment Options for Retinoblastoma?
Treatment for retinoblastoma depends on the size and location of the tumor, as well as whether it has spread to other parts of the body. The most common treatment options include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery to remove the tumor. In some cases, doctors may recommend a combination of these treatments.
Conclusion
It is important to detect retinoblastoma as early as possible to improve the chances of successful treatment. Early signs of the cancer can be difficult to spot, and it can be difficult to determine how long the cancer has been present. Regular eye exams are important for detecting retinoblastoma in its early stages. Treatment options include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery.