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The RBI web site (www.retinoblastoma.net) is pleased to provide general information as a public service. The contents are not intended to represent the official views or represent the opinions of the organization (RBI), not its board. The listing of a InfantSee is not an endorsement, recommendation or a referral. There is no financial or business relationship with any of the physicians identified. The list is provided for informational purposes. Parents, guardians and/or patients are to conduct their own research before making a decision on a physician and treatment options.
As an alternative to this list of ophthalmalogists, InfantSEE is a no-cost public health program developed to provide professional eye care for infants nationwide. Through InfantSEE, optometrists will provide a one-time, comprehensive eye assessment to infants in their first year of life, offering early detection at no cost, regardless of income. To locate a participating optometrist in your area, call toll-free (888) 396-EYES (3937) or log onto www.infantsee.org |
Retinoblastoma (reh-tin-oh-blast-oma) is
a childhood cancer arising from immature retinal cells in
one or both eyes and can strike from the time a child is in
the womb up to 5 years of age. This cancer is curable
if caught early enough. However, 87% of the children
stricken with this disease worldwide die, mostly in developing
countries. In developed countries, 97% of those who
do live have moderate to severe visual impairment.
Retinoblastoma is a relatively uncommon tumor of childhood
that accounts for about 3% of the cancers in children under
the age of 15. The tumors originate in the retina, the
light sensitive layer of the eye, which enables the eye to
see. When the tumors are present in one eye, it is referred
to as unilateral retinoblastoma, and when it occurs in both
eyes it is referred to as bilateral retinoblastoma.
60% of the cases involve only one eye (unilateral); the rest
affect both eyes (bilateral). 90% of retinoblastoma
patients have no family history of the disease and only 10%
of newly diagnosed patients have other family members with
retinoblastoma.
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The RBI web site (www.retinoblastoma.net) is pleased to provide general information as a public service. The contents are not intended to represent the official views or represent the opinions of the organization (RBI), not its board. The listing of a InfantSee is not an endorsement, recommendation or a referral. There is no financial or business relationship with any of the physicians identified. The list is provided for informational purposes. Parents, guardians and/or patients are to conduct their own research before making a decision on a physician and treatment options.
InfantSEE is a no-cost public health program developed to provide
professional eye care for infants nationwide. Through
InfantSEE, optometrists will provide a one-time, comprehensive
eye assessment to infants in their first year of life,
offering early detection at no cost, regardless of income.
To locate a participating optometrist in your area, call
toll-free (888) 396-EYES (3937) or log onto www.infantsee.org |
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| Early
diagnosis and intervention is critical to the successful
treatment of this disease. |
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Common signs of retinoblastoma include:
- a white "glow" or "glint" in the pupil
of one or both eyes in dim lighting
- white pupil in a color photo
- crossed or misaligned eyes
This photo shows the "white glow" often indicating the presence
of a tumor. If you notice this white glow in any of your children’s
photos, please contact your pediatrician or ophthalmologist immediately
and have their eyes examined. Request pupil dilation of both eyes.
If your physician is unable or unwilling to do the pupil dilation,
please insist on a referral.
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| Although it
is rare, retinoblastoma can spread or metastasize outside of the eye
to the brain, the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord),
and the bones. In these cases, chemotherapy is prescribed by
a pediatric oncologist and is administered through the peripheral
blood vessels or into the brain for months to years after initial
diagnosis of metastatic disease. |
| For additional
information about retinoblastoma and its treatment options please
contact Dr. Linn Murphree, Retinoblastoma International at Children's
Hospital Los Angeles (323) 669-2299. |
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