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I D Cancer Center
I D Cancer Center
From Diagnosis to Victory

  • Retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma: Childhood Eye Cancer | Diagnosis & Treatment | I D Cancer Center

Retinoblastoma is a rare eye cancer of childhood, usually occurring in children under 5 years of age. It develops in the retina—the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. With early diagnosis and timely treatment, retinoblastoma is highly curable and vision can often be preserved.

At I D Cancer Center, Lucknow, we provide modern diagnostic tools, advanced therapies, and compassionate family-centered care to ensure the best outcomes.

What Is Retinoblastoma?

Retinoblastoma occurs when immature retinal cells grow uncontrollably. It can affect one eye (unilateral) or both eyes (bilateral).
Some forms are hereditary, while others occur spontaneously.

Key facts:

  • Most common eye cancer in children

  • Highly treatable when diagnosed early

  • Vision-saving treatment options available

  • Genetic counselling may be recommended

Causes & Risk Factors

Retinoblastoma usually develops due to a mutation in the RB1 gene.

Risk factors include:

  • Family history of retinoblastoma

  • Inherited RB1 gene mutation

  • Very young age (infancy to early childhood)

Most children diagnosed have no family history—it occurs as a new mutation.

Common Symptoms of Retinoblastoma

Parents or caregivers may notice symptoms early.
Seek medical care if you observe:

  • White reflection in the eye (leukocoria)

  • Crossed eyes or misalignment (strabismus)

  • Persistent redness or swelling

  • Poor vision or vision loss

  • Eye pain or discomfort

  • Enlarged pupil

  • Unequal eye size

A white glow in photographs is often the earliest sign.

How Retinoblastoma is Diagnosed at I D Cancer Center

Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for life and vision preservation.

Diagnostic tests include:

  • Dilated eye examination by specialist

  • Ultrasound of the eye

  • MRI/CT scan of orbit & brain

  • Genetic testing (RB1) if needed

  • Examination under anesthesia (EUA)

Our team ensures child-friendly, safe, and gentle diagnostic procedures.

Treatment Options at I D Cancer Center

Treatment depends on tumor size, location, whether one or both eyes are involved, and overall health of the child.
Our approach aims to save life, preserve the eye, and retain vision whenever possible.

1. Systemic Chemotherapy

Used to shrink the tumor followed by local treatment.

Benefits:

  • Control tumor growth

  • Preserve vision

  • Reduce need for enucleation (eye removal)

2. Focal (Local) Therapies

These treatments target the tumor directly.

  • Laser photocoagulation

  • Cryotherapy (freezing therapy)

  • Thermotherapy (heat-based)

  • Intra-arterial chemotherapy (highly advanced)

  • Intravitreal chemotherapy for vitreous seeds

3. Radiotherapy

At I D Cancer Center, precision radiotherapy is offered for selected cases, such as:

  • Residual disease after chemotherapy

  • Tumors resistant to focal therapy

  • Orbital extension or high-risk disease

Technologies used:

  • IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy)

  • Image-Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT)

  • SRS/SRT for select cases

4. Surgery (Enucleation)

Required in advanced cases where vision cannot be saved or to prevent spread of cancer.

Post-surgery:

  • Cosmetic rehabilitation

  • Custom-made prosthetic eye

  • Supportive counselling for parents

5. Genetic Counselling & Family Screening

If hereditary retinoblastoma is suspected, counselling helps identify:

  • Risk to siblings

  • Risk for future pregnancies

  • Need for regular eye screening

Prognosis

With early treatment:

  • >95% children survive retinoblastoma

  • Vision can often be preserved

  • Regular follow-up ensures long-term safety

Bilateral cases or those with genetic mutations may require long-term monitoring.