Treatment of retinoblastoma with photocoagulation.

The authors summarize their experience and review the pertinent literature on photocoagulation in the treatment of selected patients with retinoblastoma. Photocoagulation appears to be an appropriate method of management in cases where the tumor is no greater than 3.0 mm in diameter and 2.0 mm in thickness and is confined to the sensory retina, without seeding into the adjacent vitreous. Photocoagulation alone is generally unsuccessful for tumors greater than 4.5 mm in diameter and greater than 2.5 mm in thickness and supplemental treatment with other modalities was often necessary in such cases. Based on personal observations the authors point out certain misconceptions regarding photocoagulation of retinoblastoma and define their current indications and contraindications for this treatment modality.