


Complex diagnostics of retinoblastoma in SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital
About the clinic
Complex diagnostics of retinoblastoma at SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital in Barcelona, Spain, identify this common childhood eye tumour using specialized imaging and genetic testing. This diagnostic workup uses wide-field angiography and molecular sequencing to determine the tumor type and plan therapy. The hospital is a national reference center in Spain and one of the largest pediatric cancer centers in Europe.
Diagnostic methods and equipment
The clinic uses a specialized Paediatric Intraocular Tumour Unit to examine children, usually those under age three. Doctors utilize several imaging tools to view the retina and the anterior pole of the eye. These tests help map the size and location of the tumor without invasive procedures. The diagnostic process includes:
- Wide-field camera imaging. Captures broad views of the retina using latest-generation angiography.
- Ocular ultrasound. Uses sound waves to visualize the internal structures of the eye.
- Anterior-pole ultrasound. Focuses on the front part of the eye to check for tumor extension.
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT). Provides cross-sectional images of the retinal layers.
- Genetic sequencing. Identifies the specific molecular alterations in the tumor to guide therapy.
- Microscopic study. Analyzes samples to check for disseminated disease throughout the body.
Clinical expertise and research
SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital holds 68 European, national, and regional accreditations. It is a member of the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions (NACHRI) and is accredited by Spain’s National Board of Health. The hospital serves as a CSUR (Reference Centre, Service or Unit) for complex pediatric conditions.
The facility partners with the Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO) to improve diagnostic accuracy. This collaboration applies confocal microscopy and other light-based imaging techniques to study retinoblastoma. These research initiatives help refine how doctors detect and classify intraocular tumors in young patients.
To learn more about the diagnostic process for a child, you may leave a request on Bookimed.
Highlights
Get a free consultation

Accepted payment methods
View more information
Treatments prices in the clinic
| treatment | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Sarcoma surgery | $29000 - $55000 | |
| Brain tumor removal | Price on request | |
| Radiotherapy | Price on request | |
| Bone marrow transplantation | Price on request | |
| Transnasal resection of tumor | Price on request | |
| Autologous bone marrow transplantation | Price on request |
How are we doing?
Licences
hospital accreditations of quality
SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital: more details about the clinic
SJD Barcelona Children's Hospital (Spain) has been providing medical care since 1867. It is a leading Mother and Child Center, treating patients from infancy to 18 years old. The hospital is part of the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions (NACHRI) and is accredited by Spain’s National Board of Health.
Key Facts (2023):
- 16,000+ surgeries performed
- 3,000+ deliveries
- 322,000+ outpatient visits
- 334 inpatient beds
- 3,082 staff members
Specialized Medical Divisions
The hospital has two main units:
- Child’s Unit – Covers all pediatric specialties, including oncology and hematology.
- Women’s Unit – Focuses on maternity care, high-risk pregnancies, fetal medicine, and gynecology.
Innovations in Treatment
SJD Barcelona Children's Hospital develops advanced and safe treatment methods in its research laboratories. Specialists focus on:
- Genetic and molecular biology research
- Neurometabolic and hereditary disorders
- Fetal disease studies
- Cancer research
Ongoing projects include:
- Telemonitoring for pregnant patients
- Smart sensors for neonatal care
- Therapy through play for pediatric patients
SJD Pediatric Cancer Center
One of Europe's top pediatric oncology and hematology centers, the Cancer Center features:
- HEPA-filtered rooms for post-bone marrow transplant care
- Intra-arterial chemotherapy for retinoblastoma, preserving the eye while targeting tumors
- Anti-GD2 immunotherapy for neuroblastoma, improving survival rates by 20%
- Nanofiber-based tissue for localized cancer treatment
- Ongoing vaccine development for brain and spinal cord tumors
Survival Rates:
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia – 94%
- Bone marrow transplant:
- From a related donor – 90-100%
- From an unrelated donor – 70-80%
Cardiology Center
With over 300 surgeries annually, the hospital’s cardiology team treats congenital heart conditions and complex cardiovascular disorders. It has one of Europe's highest success rates and lowest mortality rates for pediatric cardiac surgery.
Surgery Department
Minimally invasive techniques reduce complications and recovery time. These include:
- Laparoscopy
- Thoracoscopy
- Tendoscopic surgery
- Robotic-assisted procedures
- Laser and ultrasonic surgical systems
Orthopedics and Traumatology
The orthopedic team treats scoliosis, pediatric arthrogryposis, hip joint disorders, tumors, bone inflammation, clubfoot, and congenital defects. Innovative techniques are used for posture correction and spinal alignment.
Neurology Department
Recognized by Spain’s Ministry of Health, the neurology unit specializes in treating:
- Refractory epilepsy
- Neurometabolic disorders
- Hereditary spastic paraplegia
- Ataxia
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
A multidisciplinary team develops personalized rehabilitation programs for conditions such as:
- Brain and spinal cord injuries
- Stroke
- Neurological and rheumatic diseases
- Amputations
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Bladder and bowel dysfunctions
Patient Services
The hospital offers single, double, and triple rooms. Staff assists with hotel bookings, visas, and documentation. Additional services, including transfers and interpreters, are available for an extra fee. English and Spanish are spoken.
For treatment costs, patients can submit a request through Bookimed.
Additional services
Requirements for admission
Patient reviews
View 44 reviewsДенис • Brain tumor Kazakhstan
All consultations were organised in a highly professional manner with the necessary preparation
Natalia Rayskiy • Liver cancer
Мы очень довольны клиникой Sant Joan de Deu, в которой наблюдается наш ребёнок
Usrat tayeba Tayeba Tori • Surgery for syringomyelia Canada
he was really good and informative
Любовь • Spina bifida (cleft spine) Ukraine
"You are best !!!"
Passeig de Sant Joan de Déu, 2, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
Get a free consultation

How it works:
- We find a medical coordinator familiar with the matter
- You get a personal offer with a step-by-step guide and the cost estimate
- We arrange your travel including appointment scheduling and flights booking
- You arrive at the hospital, we support you 24/7