Exploring Retinoblastoma

Cancer is an unfortunate medical condition that affects millions of people in a seemingly random manner. One form of optical cancer that Miami eye doctors sometimes come across is retinoblastoma. It’s most common for children to develop this form of eye cancer, though it can develop in adults as well. A retinoblastoma is when cancer starts to affect the retina, which is located in the back of the eye and is responsible for transmitting light into electrical signals. These electrical signals are sent along the optic nerves and to the brain, where it comprehends what a person is looking at due to the functions of the retina. Because this form of eye cancer is rare, a doctor in Miami Beach will likely explore more common eye problems as potential causes of the symptoms a patient is experiencing.

Symptoms of a Retinoblastoma

The symptoms of a retinoblastoma can sometimes mimic those of other conditions, which makes it a bit harder for an eye doctor to diagnose. However, if other conditions are ruled out, then doctors will begin to look for more rare optical conditions, such as a retinoblastoma.

● Eye redness. Those with this form of optical cancer often have red eyes more than usual.

● Eye swelling. When the cancer begins to form, it will sometimes cause inflammation and swelling in the eyes.

● Eyes that appear to look at separate locations. When a growth is present in the back of the eye, it will sometimes affect the position of the eyes and how they appear to look at objects.

● A white in the center of the eye when light is shined on it. Normally, a person’s eyes will have a red appearance when they are photographed with a flash, but those with this form of cancer will have a white in their eye instead of the red.

Known Causes of Retinoblastomas

Those who have been diagnosed with this condition are probably wondering what caused them to get it in the first place. Because cancer affects people randomly, there is often no exact known cause of a person’s cancer development. Genetic mutations and family history of the condition are two potential causes of it, but it’s hard to pinpoint exactly why someone is suffering from this type of cancer. Some of the symptoms of this type of cancer can be held at bay by being prescribed eyeglasses in Miami Beach, but it’s often difficult or impossible to completely stop its progression. Doctors are looking at new potential treatments for this condition, such as transplants, but chemotherapy is currently the go-to treatment option.

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