Title: New Technology Highlights Challenges in Detecting Childhood Eye Cancer
Subtitle: Murray Mom’s Vigilance Saves Son from Advanced Retinoblastoma
Date: [Insert Date]
Estimated Read Time: 5-6 minutes
SALT LAKE CITY — A mother from Murray, Utah, recently shared her harrowing experience of detecting and treating her infant son’s eye cancer using a baby monitor. The incident has highlighted the challenges parents face in detecting childhood eye cancer and the potential impact of advanced camera technology in diagnosis.
About a year ago, this Murray mom noticed her son’s left eye appearing “pitch black” on the baby monitor feed. Although initially dismissing it as a camera glitch after an internet search, she didn’t ignore her concerns. Researching further, she came across the possibility of eye cancer and immediately sought medical advice. The heartbreaking diagnosis came a few days later – her 6-month-old son Benny had retinoblastoma.
Benny’s mother recalls her only question during the appointment with the pediatrician: “Will he live?” Fortunately, Benny is now cancer-free, but the cancer has caused some developmental delays, including reduced vision and mobility challenges.
Director of Ocular Oncology at the University of Utah John A. Moran Eye Center, Dr. Eric Hansen, has shed light on the impact of new camera technology on the detection of retinoblastoma. Typically, parents may notice a red eye reflection in photographs, indicating a potential issue. However, modern phone cameras automatically filter out red-eye, making it harder for parents to spot problems.
While the improved camera technology might lead to more advanced cancer cases being detected, the lack of red-eye reflection could delay diagnosis. Dr. Hansen emphasized the importance of addressing any concerns regarding a child’s eye with a pediatrician, as early detection is crucial for better treatment outcomes. Retinoblastoma is a rare cancer, with approximately 300 to 350 cases reported in the United States each year.
Dr. Hansen added that retinoblastoma screenings occur at birth and during a visit between six and 12 months of age, ensuring a high cure rate of 95% compared to countries with higher fatality rates.
Benny’s road to recovery involved specialized care at Primary Children’s, where an MRI confirmed that his cancer was contained within his eye. He underwent a groundbreaking intra-arterial chemotherapy, wherein chemotherapy was directly applied to the eye via a small catheter inserted through a blood vessel. This procedure minimizes side effects and maximizes the local impact on the eye. Benny was among the first recipients of this treatment at Primary Children’s, which was an anxious experience for his family.
Genetic testing is routinely conducted on retinoblastoma patients at Primary Children’s. This testing helps formulate personalized care plans, involving physical therapy, occupational therapy, and holistic care. Vision impairment is a common consequence of treatment, but outcomes vary depending on tumor location.
As Benny’s cancer was caught early, his retina functions normally. He will undergo monthly evaluations for a few years, followed by gradually decreasing the frequency of visits into adulthood. Benny has become a beloved patient at the clinic, displaying remarkable resilience and maintaining a cheerful demeanor throughout his treatment.
Benny’s mom expressed her gratitude for the therapists who are helping her son regain some of his vision through exercises provided by Utah Schools for the Blind’s Parent Infant Program. She also practices play therapy with Benny to help him cope with any trauma he might have experienced during his medical journey. Together, they have established routines, such as listening to “Hakuna Matata” on the way to medical appointments.
Although Benny faced periods of sickness due to chemotherapy, his infectious smile and positive interactions with doctors and nurses remained unwavering.
This story serves as a reminder of the importance of parental vigilance, early detection, and the potential impact of advancing technologies in improving outcomes for children with retinoblastoma.