Retinoblastoma
What is retinoblastoma?
Retinoblastoma starts in the cells of the retina in the eye. Itʼs the most common type of eye cancer in children.
Risks for retinoblastoma
Risks for retinoblastoma include an RB1 gene mutation and increased copies (amplification) of the MYCN gene.
Finding retinoblastoma early
The best way to find retinoblastoma early is to recognize symptoms and have a personal plan for testing if your child has a higher risk.
Symptoms of retinoblastoma
Common signs and symptoms of retinoblastoma include a white reflection or glare in one or both pupils when exposed to light, eyes that are crossed and redness in the white part of the eye.
Diagnosis of retinoblastoma
Retinoblastoma can be diagnosed or ruled out by tests such as an eye exam, genetic testing and ultrasound.
Stages of retinoblastoma
The stage of retinoblastoma describes how much cancer is in the body and where it is when first diagnosed. It can also predict how likely the eye can be saved with current treatment.
If retinoblastoma spreads
Retinoblastoma can spread to the choroid, sclera and eye socket (orbit).
Prognosis and survival for retinoblastoma
Prognosis estimates the outcome for retinoblastoma. It depends on many factors including the stage, whether the cancer has spread and if there is trilateral retinoblastoma.
Treatments for retinoblastoma
Retinoblastoma can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Supportive care for retinoblastoma
Supportive care for retinoblastoma helps children and their families meet physical, emotional and spiritual challenges.
Childhood eye cancer statistics
Cancer statistics tell us how many children in Canada are diagnosed with and die from childhood eye cancer in a certain time frame.
Your trusted source for accurate cancer information
With support from readers like you, we can continue to provide the highest quality cancer information for over 100 types of cancer.
We’re here to ensure easy access to accurate cancer information for you and the millions of people who visit this website every year. But we can’t do it alone.
Every donation helps fund reliable cancer information, compassionate support services and the most promising research. Please give today because every contribution counts. Thank you.