2020–2021 BCSC Basic and Clinical Science Course™
4 Ophthalmic Pathology and Intraocular Tumors
Part II: Intraocular Tumors: Clinical Aspects
Chapter 19: Retinoblastoma
Local Consolidation Therapy
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is an effective primary or adjunctive treatment for peripheral tumors with an apical thickness of up to 3 mm. The clinician directly visualizes the tumor with an indirect ophthalmoscope and applies cryotherapy transsclerally using a triple freeze–thaw technique. Typically, laser photoablation is chosen for smaller, posteriorly located tumors, and cryoablation is performed in larger, anteriorly located tumors. Close monitoring is necessary so that tumor regrowth or treatment complications can be managed promptly. Complications, including retinal tear and retinal detachment, are more likely to occur in large calcified tumors.
Excerpted from BCSC 2020-2021 series: Section 4 - Ophthalmic Pathology and Intraocular Tumors. For more information and to purchase the entire series, please visit https://www.aao.org/bcsc.