New era in diagnosis and management of retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma is pediatric neoplasm that arises from the retina this most commonly occurs in younger children, usually under 2 years of age, with 95% of cases diagnosed before the age of 5 years.Although all babies are screened at birth for eye problems, retinoblastoma isn’t necessarily detected at this time.To assure early detection, red reflex screening and dilatation of the pupils is an essential part of the routine infant examination.Early detection of an abnormal ocular media is important because some conditions may affect sight or may be life threatening, including retinoblastoma.Instead of a normal, healthy black pupil, a child with retinoblastoma usually presents on physical examination with a white pupil reflex or leukocoria, sometimes known as Amarotic cat’s eye reflex.While this doesn’t always indicate retinoblastoma, an ophthalmologist will be able to correctly diagnose the condition.A child with retinoblastoma may also presents with a crossed eye (strabismus), which may turn out toward the ear (exotropia) or in toward the nose (esotropia).Other presenting symptoms of retinoblastoma include a red, painful eye, poor vision, eye tissue inflammation, an enlarged or dilated pupil, and different colored irises.Imaging studies may be performed to help confirm the diagnosis.Computerized tomography may help determine the extent of the tumor.Ultrasonography is used to identify calcification and helps distinguish retinoblastoma from non cancerous eye disorders.Magnetic resonance imaging provides better delineation of the optic nerve and is useful in identifying extra ocular involvement.Retinoblastomas are treated according to the individual patient’s condition and circumstances.