5 Signs of Eye Cancer in Babies

Assoc. Dr. Sevil Karaman made statements about eye cancer symptoms and treatment.

Pointing out that retinoblastoma is one of the most common and important intraocular tumors seen in infants, Karaman said, “It is seen in approximately one in 18 thousand live births. 80 percent of patients are younger than four years of age, and it is rare after six years of age. Boys and girls are equally affected.” gave the information.

“Following and treating eye tumor is teamwork”

Listing the stages of diagnosis of tumors that may occur in the eye, Karaman said in his written statement;

“After the evaluation, consultation from a pediatrician may be requested depending on the current situation. Retinoblastoma diagnosis, treatment and follow-up is a team effort. In addition, different diagnostic tests such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) imaging may be required to interpret the type, size, location and origin of the tumor. Blood and bone marrow tests can be performed to evaluate the spread of the tumor to other organs.”

“The gene responsible for retinoslastoma”

Informing that retinoblastoma originates from the retinoblastoma gene located on chromosome 13, Karaman continued his words as follows;

“In about 60 percent of retinoblastomas, the disease is not inherited. It is known that 10 to 15 percent of all retinoblastoma cases are found in family members. Seeing the disease in both eyes suggests hereditary retinoblastoma. Unilateral retinoblastoma cases are generally not hereditary. The risk of developing retinoblastoma in the offspring of healthy parents whose child has retinoblastoma in both eyes is around 3 percent. If the involvement is unilateral in the affected child, the chance of it being seen in other children is less than 1%.”

Karaman stated that a significant number of children with retinoblastoma can regain their health with advanced current diagnosis and treatment approaches, and stated that they work as a team of ophthalmologists, pediatric oncologists, radiation oncologists and neuro-interventional radiologist in the treatment process with a multidisciplinary approach.