Retinoblastoma: What Is It?

Retinoblastoma: What Is It?

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What Is Retinoblastoma?

It is a type of cancer (or tumor) in the retina of the eye. The retina is a thin lining of tissue. It is in the back of the eye. The retina is important for vision. It senses light and sends signals to the brain so you can see.

Who Is Diagnosed With Retinoblastoma?

Most often, it happens to children who are under 5 years old. With treatment, most children can beat this cancer. It is very important to find and treat this cancer early. This helps to keep it from spreading to the brain and the rest of the body.retinoblastoma

What Causes This Cancer?

It is caused by a change in a certain gene. Sometimes children who get it have someone in their family with it.  Most often there is no family history. It is not caused by what you eat, smell, or breathe. There is nothing you did or did not do which caused this. If you have other children, they should be checked to see if they are at risk for retinoblastoma too.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • White spot or glow in the pupil. This is called leukocoria. It is often seen in photos of your child.
    leukocoria
  • Crossed eyes. This is called unilateral esotropia or strabismus.
    unilateral esotropia
  • Poor or blurry vision
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Unequal pupils
  • Different colored irises

To Learn More About Retinoblastoma, Review This Kidshealth Resource.

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Artwork 2025 by Suma Thareja

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Call your child’s doctor, nurse, or clinic if you have any questions or concerns or if your child has special health care needs that were not covered by this information.