Retinoblastoma

What is retinoblastoma?
Retinoblastoma is a cancer if the retina. It occurs mostly in children under 5 years. Retinoblastoma is very rare. The estimated annual incidence is 4 per million children. The retinoblastoma tumour originates in the retina, the light sensitive layer of the eye which enables the eye to see. Retinoblastoma begins with white tumour masses in one or both eyes. It is usually confined to the eye but can spread to the brain via the optic nerve.

What causes retinoblastoma?
Retinoblastoma occurs spontaneously or genetically.

What cures retinoblastoma?
The most common treatment is to remove the affected eye ball before the cancer spreads. Affected children in developing countries often present with advanced features and may die of metastasis. If the tumor is small it can be treated with laser or cryotherapy (freezing to below 80 degree celcius).

What prevents retinoblastoma?
There is no way to prevent retinoblastoma. Genetic counselling can inform parents about increased danger of developing retinoblastoma.