Retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma occurs when abnormal cells in the retina (the light-sensing area at the back of the eye) grow in an uncontrolled way. It usually occurs in young children, and can affect one or both eyes.

Retinoblastoma is more common in children under 3 years of age, although it can occur at any age.

Risk factors

A risk factor is anything that increases a person’s chance of developing a certain condition or disease, such as cancer. In adults, lifestyle and environmental...

Symptoms

Symptoms of retinoblastoma may include:

pupil (the black part of the eye in the middle) that appears white instead of red when a light is

Diagnosis

Your child will have a number of tests to investigate their symptoms and confirm a diagnosis of retinoblastoma, including:

medical history and physical examination
eye

Treatment

Treatment and care of children with cancer is usually provided by a team of health professionals called a multidisciplinary team. Members of this team are...

Support

Diagnosis of cancer in a child is a very difficult time for the child, their family and their friends. You might feel overwhelmed, scared, anxious...

Chance of cure

Many children with cancer are cured of the disease. Children’s bodies have great capacity for healing. Also, huge improvements have been made in the treatment...

Clinical trials

Researchers are trialling new ways to diagnose and treat different types of cancer. Your child may be invited to be part of a clinical trial...

More information

For more information about retinoblastoma, see:

Retinoblastoma, from the American Cancer Society
Retinoblastoma treatment (PDQ®),

Next section - Risk factors

Types of children’s cancers

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