Overview

Causes

Immature cells called retinoblasts form during the early stages of fetal development. These cells go on to become retinal cells. In retinoblastoma, some of these cells divide without control or order. If cells keep dividing when new cells are not needed, then a mass of tissue called a tumor forms.

Retinoblastoma is caused by a change in the retinoblastoma gene.

Risk Factors

Retinoblastoma is more common in children under 5 years of age. It is also more common in children who have other family members who have had it.

SymptomsandDiagnosis

Symptoms

Retinoblastoma usually forms only in one eye, but both eyes may have tumors. Symptoms are usually noticed by the parent or caregiver and may include:

  • A glazed look
  • A pupil that looks white instead of red when a light or camera flash is directed at it
  • Eyes that cross or unusual eye movements
  • Vision problems
  • Eye swelling or redness
Normal Anatomy of the Eye
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Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about the child's symptoms, past health, and family history. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on the eye. This is enough to suspect the diagnosis.

A complete eye exam will need to be done by a specialist. The tests from this exam can confirm the diagnosis.

Pictures of the eye will be taken. This can be done with:

  • Ultrasound
  • MRI scan

Test results will be used for staging. This can tell how far and fast the cancer has spread.

Treatments

Treatment

Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer. The goal of treatment is to cure the cancer and preserve sight. A team of specialists will be needed.

One or more of the following treatments may be used:

  • Cryotherapy—to freeze and destroy small tumors
  • Thermotherapy—to use heat to kill cancer cells
  • Laser therapy—to destroy a small tumor
  • Radiation—to kill or shrink cancer cells
  • Chemotherapy—to kill cancer cells

If the tumor is large, then surgery may need to be done to remove the eye and part of the optic nerve that carries messages from the retina to the brain. An artificial eye can be put in place.

Prevention

There are no current guidelines to prevent retinoblastoma.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Edits to original content made by Denver Health.