Retinoblastoma is a childhood cancer arising from immature retinal cells in one or both eyes and can strike from the time a child is in the womb up to 5 years of age. This cancer is curable if caught early enough. However, 87 percent of those stricken with this disease die worldwide, mostly in developing countries. In developed countries, 97 percent of those who live have moderate to severe visual impairment.

Retinoblastoma, relatively uncommon, accounts for about 3 percent of the cancers in children younger than 15. The tumors originate in the retina, the light-sensitive layer of the eye, which enables the eye to see. When the tumors are present in one eye, it is referred to as unilateral retinoblastoma, and when it occurs in both eyes it is referred to as bilateral retinoblastoma. Sixty percent of cases involve only one eye (unilateral); the rest affect both eyes (bilateral). Ninety percent of retinoblastoma patients have no family history of the disease; only 10 percent of newly diagnosed patients have other family members with retinoblastoma.

Early diagnosis and intervention is critical to successful treatment.

Common indicators include:

A white "glow" or "glint" in the pupil of one or both eyes in dim light

White pupil in a color photo

Crossed or misaligned eyes

Although it is rare, retinoblastoma can spread or metastasize outside of the eye to the brain, spinal cord and bones. In these cases, chemotherapy is prescribed by a pediatric oncologist and is administered through the peripheral blood vessels or into the brain for months to years after initial diagnosis of metastatic disease.

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Source: Retinoblastoma.net