Retinoblastoma is a form of cancer that needs to be timely diagnosed.  It occurs in children under the age of five (5) and in many cases, during the newborn period.  There are signs of retinoblastoma which should be observed by a pediatrician during examinations in the newborn  period and at all well-baby visits.  Once a sign of retinoblastoma is detected, the pediatrician should immediately refer the child to a pediatric ophthalmologist.  Delay in diagnosis or treatment can have serious consequences.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has issued a policy statement stressing the need for early detection and prompt treatment of ocular disorder in children to avoid lifelong visual impairment.

Not every daily in diagnosis results in actionable legal damage, but when it does, Lawrence A. Fuller is prepared to assist you.

If your child has retinoblastoma, or has been a victim of the disease, and you believe that there was not a timely diagnosis, contact Lawrence Fuller to learn of your legal rights.

Retinoblastoma is a cancer of the eye that develops in young children, and needs to be timely diagnosed and treated. To assist a parent in better understanding this form of cancer, the following glossary of words associated with this disease is being provided.

CT scan - X-ray used to observe the eyes, optic nerve, and brain.

Chemotherapy - Procedure used to freeze small tumor.

Cryotheraphy - The use of drugs to treat cancer.

Enucleation - Removal of the eye.

Laser - Light therapy to treat small retinoblastoma tumors.

Leukokoria - A condition characterized by the appearance of a whitish reflex in or near the pupil.

Ocular - Of or pertaining to the eye.

Optic Nerve - The nerve that connects the eye to the brain.

Pediatric Oncologist - Pediatrician who specializes in the treatment of children with cancer.

Pediatric Ophthalmologist - Physician who specializes in the treatment of children with cancer of the eye.

Retina - Nerve tissue lining the back of the eye that detects light.

Retinoblastoma - A malignant tumor arising in the retina of one or both eyes during infancy or early childhood.

Strabismus - Common sign of retinoblastoma, where baby is cross eyed.

Ultrasound - Test involving high frequency sound to view the tumor.

Vitreous seeding - Small pieces of retinoblastoma tumor that has become separated and are floating freely inside the eye.

If you believe your child suffered as a result of the late diagnosis of retinoblastoma, and would like a free consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact attorney Lawrence Fuller.

Delayed diagnosis of the form of cancer known as retinoblastoma can be fatal. Prompt diagnosis of retinoblastoma is essential to proper treatment. Children should have their eyes examined beginning in the newborn period and at all well- baby visits. Since a baby does not complain of vision problems, it is necessary for the pediatrician to closely examine the baby's eyes for such conditions as leukocoria (white pupil), strabismus (poorly aligned eyes), and glaucoma (red and painful eye). Upon detection of a problem, the pediatrician should immediately refer the child to a pediatric ophthalmologist.

If the retinoblastoma is diagnosed promptly, and at an early enough stage, it is usually curable through such procedures as cryotherapy, laser therapy, radio therapy, or chemotherapy. However, if the pediatrician's diagnosis of the retinoblastoma is delayed, more drastic measures resulting in lifelong permanent visual impairment may result. If the tumor is very large and the vision in the eye is lost, the eye may need to be enucleated (removed). In some cases, the retinoblastoma can be fatal.

Attorney Lawrence Fuller has represented parents of young children in claims for damages resulting from the delayed diagnosis of retinoblastoma.

Timely diagnosis and treatment of cancer is necessary to prevent the spread of the disease, and perhaps to save the life of the cancer victim.  If you or a loved one has cancer or has died from cancer, and you believe that the cancer was either mis-diagnosed or not timely diagnosed, and you would like free legal consultation to ascertain your legal rights, contact Fuller, Fuller & Associates, P.A.

Retinoblastoma is a cancer of the retina that effects children who are usually less than five (5) years of age. If the retinoblastoma is in one eye, it is referred to as unilateral retinoblastoma and if the retinoblastoma is in both eyes, it is referred to as bilateral retinoblastoma.

If the retinoblastoma is detected early enough and treated promptly, the retinoblastoma is curable. Mis-diagnosis of this form of cancer can have serious consequences. If the retinoblastoma is not treated early enough, the retinoblastoma can spread to the optic nerve and the brain and be fatal. Therefore, early diagnosis and prompt medical treatment is essential.

Contact Attorney Lawrence Fuller if you have concerns about your legal rights as a result of the diagnosis of retinoblastoma.