|
Home / Beauty
Could Your Child Have Retinoblastoma?
By:Louise Forrest
Retinoblastoma is a common eye cancer which usually affects young children. You can usually tell if your child has Retinoblastoma if their photographs turn out showing a visible difference in one eye. Unfortunately many parents do not catch the early signs of the condition as they simply do not know what they are looking for.
What exactly is Retinoblastoma?
As mentioned, Retinoblastoma is the most common eye cancer in children, however it is still quite rare and it only affects around one in every 20,000 births. If caught early, it is possible to treat and cure the child of the cancer; however it can lead to the loss of the eye, or in severe cases, even death. Luckily, most cases found are cured and the survival rate is currently around 96%. Just under half the cases of Retinoblastoma are inherited, so if there is a family history of the cancer, it is best to get your child checked out.
The cancer starts by a tumor developing behind one of the eyes. In some cases tumors can develop behind both eyes and that usually results in the child having their eyes enucleated. However, this is extremely rare and usually the sight can be restored if caught early enough.
The Symptoms and What to Look Out For
As many parents do not know what to look out for in their child, it is often really difficult for them to diagnose Retinoblastoma. Usually the most common symptom of the disease is an abnormal appearance of the pupil, which as mentioned earlier is often detected in photographs. Any change in the appearance of the eye could be a potential symptom so you should always have it checked out by a doctor.
The Treatments Available
If you find that your child does have Retinoblastoma, it is important to know that there are a lot of treatments available these days in order to cure it. Early detection is better and it often leads to the child having their vision completely repaired. However, treatment varies depending upon how big the tumor has grown and how far the cancer has actually spread. Even if the tumor is removed, sometimes it is too late to save the childs sigh and the eye may need to be removed.
Some of the treatments available include:
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is often used to treat Retinoblastoma and it involves injecting the chemotherapy drugs into the body in order to kill off any cancer cells. In the case of a child with Retinoblastoma, the drugs are injected directly into the fluid which surrounds the brain.
Laser Therapy
This can be used as a treatment either on its own, or in combination with chemotherapy. It basically involves shining a strong laser beam through the dilated pupil, or the actual wall of the eye, into the cancer. It is a non invasive treatment and it is either done through general or local anesthetic.
External beam radiotherapy
This treatment is usually used when Chemotherapy has not worked. Retinoblastoma is really sensitive to radiation and so this treatment frequently works. The child is exposed to a certain level of radiation on an outpatient basis over five days a week. This is usually continued for around a month and the tumor generally reduces in size over time.
Surgery
This treatment is used if the tumor has caused irreparable damage to the eye and if the tumor has reached a dangerous size. It generally involves removing the tumor and removing the eye. This is only usually done as a last resort and if the surgeon cannot save the eye without risking the childs life.
Overall if the childs eye does have to be removed they will receive an artificial one which is as identical to their original one as possible. The child will make a full recovery from surgery and they can go on to lead a fulfilling and happy life. The main thing to look out for with your child is any changes within the eye. If you do spot anything unusual do not be afraid to consult a doctor. After all, it is better to be safe than sorry!
Digg
del.icio.us
Blink
Stumble
Spurl
Reddit
Netscape
Furl
Article keywords: eye care, Retinoblastoma, skin care, eye care treatment, eye care treatments, eye creams
Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com
Louise Forrest has created the ultimate FREE Health & Beauty guide. Find out how you can gain access to FREE natural skin care articles, tips and techniques at http://www.NaturalElements.co.uk
Learn more on eye care at www.NaturalElements.co.uk
|
|
| Top Beauty Articles |
|
|
- 2). Cosmetic Dentistry Fixes Are Big Business for Dentists By : Roger Campbell
Blame it on Hollywood for the dramatic increase in cosmetic dentistry.
Thanks to those stars with the dazzling white teeth and photo-op grins, more Americans are choosing to brighten up their smiles with veneers, teeth whitening and oral laser surgery.
In fact, according to the American Dental Association, more than $35 billion a year is spent on cosmetic dentistry.
|
- 3). Swallow To Glow - A Holistic Approach To Skin Health By : Debra
The skin is the largest organ in the body. It defends against disease and infection, regulates temperature and even aids in vitamin production. Keeping skin healthy is crucial for beauty and general health, even if most of us are interested in knowing how to keep skin looking healthy, rather than really keeping it healthy.
The best way to keep skin looking healthy – young, fair, radiant, supple, soft and wrinkle free – is to keep out of the sun.
|
- 4). Varicose veins can cause bad circulation. By : Hege Crowton
What are varicose veins? You can get this all over your body but in most cases you can clearly see it on your legs. Little blue and red lines that starts to appear and “grow” on your legs and in other cases the blood vessel becomes swollen and seems as if it will explode.
|
- 5). Cosmetic Dentistry - For That Brilliant Smile By : Barney Garcia
Cosmetic dentistry offers options ranging from polishing, bleaching, covering techniques, bonding, implanting and orthodontia for complete mouth over, to give you the perfect smile. Recent medical advances have reduced the pain and trauma associated with dental work. An experienced dentist can help you to get that beautiful, brilliant and dazzling smile you always aspired for.
|
- 6). Woman's Feet Gain National Attention By : Roger Campbell
Few people can say that they are famous for their feet. One woman's feet, however, are getting national attention.
Carmina Swofford, whose feet were recently named "the prettiest feet in Texas," will appear in national advertisements showcasing the new look of Pretty Feet & Hands, B.F. Ascher's popular exfoliant for dry skin.
"I have always been told that I have pretty feet," said Swofford of Austin, Texas.
|
- 7). Anti Aging Skin Care Products By : Stephen Todd
When a person wishes to purchase an anti aging skin care product, they will most likely wind up choosing a cream because it is one of the most popular forms of anti aging skin care products on the market.
|
- 8). 10 Tips to Maintain Health and Beauty By : paul wilson1
Beauty, health, and nutrition are all integrated. If you eat a balanced diet you will be able to maintain your physique and glowing beauty externally and good health internally. A balanced diet is one that provides all the nutrients you need, the right amount of proteins, carbohydrates, and fat.
To achieve goals you need to ensure a good balance in your diet, introduce variety into your meals, and practice moderation.
|
|
|
- 10). Teen Stretch Marks By : Nicky Pilkington
The teen years can be a very difficult period. Your body undergoes some significant hormonal changes that can wreak havoc on your daily life and consequently your level of confidence. Many teenagers experience sudden growth spurts while these hormonal changes are taking place.
|
| New Beauty Articles |
|
|
- 2). What Is The Link Between Anti-Aging And Ethnicity? By : Louise Forrest
It is very true that Caucasians are more affected by sun damage (photo aging) and the associated visible signs of aging more than many other ethnic groups, but the number of anti-aging dermatological procedures being performed on people with diverse ethnic backgrounds has been on the rise in the past few years.
|
- 3). Tips on Buying Contact Lenses Online By : Mayoor Patel
Do you have an urgent need to buy contact lenses from an online store instead of a traditional one? Or have you found the design you have been looking for all along in a certain website? Whichever the case, you should be properly informed when buying contact lenses online.
|
|
|
|
|
- 6). How To Slow Down The Ageing Process By : Louise Forrest
Your skin ages through both inner and outer aging factors. Inner factors include overall health, nutrition, water content, hormone balance, genetics, and toxins. Outer factors are mainly sun and pollution.
|
- 7). Hair Laser NYC Removal By : Harry Rockwell
Hair laser nyc removal is a relatively comfortable and safe method of getting rid of unwanted body hair. Whether it is your neck, chin, legs, back or any other part of the body you can resort to this process without any second thoughts. Both males and females have undergone this treatment with good results.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
