Retinablastoma Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Symptoms are usually noticed by the parent or caregiver and may include, but are not limited to:

• Eyes do not look normal, often described as a glazed look or a “cat’s eye.”
• When a light is directed at the eye, the pupil looks white rather than red. This is often noticed on a photograph.
• Eyes may appear to be crossed or looking in different directions.
• Less common symptoms may include:
  • Eye may grow in size
  • Eye pain
  • Redness in the white part of the eye
  • Tearing
  • Pupil may not respond to light
  • Iris (colored part of the eye) changes color

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and family medical history, and perform a physical exam. Many retinoblastomas are found during routine physical exams. If a tumor is suspected, the child will usually be referred to a specialist for a more complete eye exam. In children with a family history of the disease, eye exams often begin within a day or two of birth. Additional eye exams are scheduled at regular intervals thereafter.

Once retinoblastoma is found, staging tests are performed to find out if the cancer has spread, and, if so, to what extent. Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer. The cancer may be localized to the eyes or it may have spread to tissues around the eye or to other parts of the body.

Tests may include, but are not limited to:

• Eye exam—The pupil is dilated with eye drops. Then, the inside of the eye is examined with a lighted instrument that allows the examiner to view structures inside the eye.
• Ultrasound—This test that uses sound waves to examine the inner part of the eye.
• MRI scan —The MRI uses magnetic waves to make pictures of the inside of the body. It can be used to check for spread of the cancer to the brain or other tissue.
• CT scan —This is a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of the eye. CT scans of other areas of the body may be done to check if the cancer has spread.

General anesthesia may be given to keep the child still during close examination and testing.