Retroblastoma
Treatment Options
Your doctor will recommend treatment based on the size, location, and the extent of the tumor. Your child may have more than one type of treatment. For example, chemotherapy may be recommended as a primary treatment with laser therapy as a secondary treatment. It is critical that you discuss treatment options with your doctor, and that you understand the benefits and possible side effects of treatment.
Photocoagulation (Laser Therapy)
Laser therapy is performed on an outpatient basis during the EUA (Examination Under Anethesia). Laser therapy focuses a powerful beam of light through the dilated pupil or through the wall of the eye onto the cancer and the surrounding tissue. This focused and high-powered light destroys cancerous tumors inside of the eye. The small burns produced by the laser destroy the blood supply to the tumor and cause the tumor to shrink. Multiple photocoagulation sessions may be necessary. Since laser therapy is done under anesthesia, there is generally no pain associated with the procedure. For this reason, post-operative medications typically are not necessary. Depending on the location, small tumors can be treated with laser therapy alone. Tumors that are larger in size or involve the optic disc or macula may need the help of chemotherapy to reduce the size of the tumor. In this case, chemotherapy and laser therapy work together for tumor control.Cryotherapy (Freezing Treatment)
Tryotherapy, which freezes small tumors, is performed in conjunction with an EUA. A probe (which looks like a pen) is placed on the sclera nearest to the tumor Using a very cold gas; the tumor is frozen and thawed several times. This destroys the tumor cells and leaves a flat, pigmented scar with no signs of tumor. If tumor is evident, the treatment will need to be repeated to successfully destroy all of the tumor cells.Cryotherapy can cause the eye and the lid of the eye to swell for several days. This is normal, and your doctor may advise the use of eye drops or ointment to reduce the swelling.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the treatment of cancer with drugs that can destroy cancer cells. These drugs are often called "anti-cancer" drugs. Normal cells grow and die in a controlled way. When cancer occurs, cells keep dividing and form more cells without control. Anti-cancer drugs destroy cancer cells by stopping them from growing or multiplying. Because some chemotherapy drugs work better together than alone, often two or more drugs are given at the same time. This is called combination chemotherapy.For more information or to make an appointment call Zaffater Eye Center: 318-747-5838 or Toll Free: 866-480-3937.