Retinoblastoma Treatment in India

Arjun Malhotra is a 2-year-old boy...

Arjun Malhotra is a 2-year-old boy from a close-knit family in Mumbai, India. His parents first noticed something was wrong when they saw a strange white glow, like a cat's eye, in his left pupil in family photos taken with flash. This 'leukocoria' became more noticeable in dim light. They also observed that his left eye occasionally appeared to drift outward. Terrified, they consulted their pediatrician, who urgently referred them to a pediatric ophthalmologist. After a thorough examination under anesthesia, the doctor confirmed a diagnosis of unilateral retinoblastoma in Arjun's left eye. Given the tumor's size and location, which threatened his vision and life, the doctor recommended enucleation, surgical removal of the eye, as the most definitive way to ensure all cancer cells were eradicated and to prevent spread. The surgery was performed successfully. Arjun recovered in the hospital for a few days, adapting bravely. He was fitted with a conformer and, later, a prosthetic eye that looks remarkably natural. Follow-up scans showed no signs of cancer spread. The emotional journey was harrowing for his parents, who grappled with grief over the loss of the eye but immense relief that his life was saved. Today, Arjun is a lively, active toddler who has adapted perfectly to monocular vision. His family's primary emotion is profound gratitude, and they are passionate advocates for early screening.