Screening for retinoblastoma
Children and siblings of people affected by retinoblastoma may be screened if they are at risk of developing the condition themselves. Screening involves regular eye examinations, allowing doctors to get a very detailed look at your child’s eye. Screening enables any developing tumours to be caught early so treatment can start immediately.
The need for screening will depend on what type of retinoblastoma the family member had and whether it is heritable (if known). Screening for children under the age of five years old is usually done as an examination under general anaesthetic (EUA) and the child will be admitted each time to a day clinic at one of the two specialist retinoblastoma centres – Birmingham Women’s & Children’s Hospital (BCH) or the Royal London Hospital (RLH).
EUAs will be carried out regularly with children being seen more frequently initially. Around the age of 5 years of age the child may be screened whilst awake as by then, they are usually able to co-operate more fully with the team looking after them. In some cases a child may be discharged from the screening programme if it is felt the risk of developing retinoblastoma is no longer present.
Does my child need screening for retinoblastoma?
Screening may be necessary in the following circumstances:
- If you or your partner had retinoblastoma and are planning a pregnancy, are already pregnant or have recently had a baby.
- If you or your partner had retinoblastoma and you have a child under 5 that has not been checked.
- If your child has been diagnosed with retinoblastoma and you are expecting another baby or have other children under 5 who have not been checked.
- If your sibling or parent had retinoblastoma and you have a child under the age of 5 who has not been checked. If you are in this group it is less likely that your children will need screening but you may like to confirm this with the retinoblastoma team.
If you want to find out if screening is necessary for your child or children, one of the retinoblastoma teams will be able to advise you.
Would you like to get in touch with our support team?
If you have any queries or concerns about your child’s treatment, contact your Retinoblastoma Team at either Birmingham Women’s & Children’s Hospital or the Royal London Hospital.