Signs and Symptoms of Retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma is a rare cancer that starts in the retina of the eye. Retinoblastoma most commonly affects young children under the age of six, although it sometimes affects adults as well. The usual age of diagnosis is between age one and two years. About half of the cases of retinoblastoma are inherited, and occur in children whose families have a genetic gene mutation. In  two-thirds of the cases, only one eye is affected. We have put together a list of common signs and symptoms of retinoblastoma below.

Also, we have information on diagnosis, helpful books and valuable resources for patients.

The Signs and Symptoms of Retinoblastoma are as follows:

• Abnormal appearance of the pupil
• A white eye reflection to light shone on the pupil
• Crossed eyes
• Eyes that appear to be looking in a different direction
• Deterioration of vision
• Reddened or irritated eye
• Differing iris colors in each eye
• Double vision
• Eyes that do not align

The signs and symptoms of retinoblastoma can occur in one eye, or both eyes. If the condition is inherited, it usually occurs in both eyes. Call your health care provider if any of these signs and symptoms are present, especially in photographs.

Retinoblastoma is the most common cancer of the eye that affects young children. It is rare, and occurs in about one in 15,000 live births. Screening for retinoblastoma should be part of the “well baby” screening of infants beginning at three months. Retinoblastoma has an extremely high cure rate, 95 – 98%.

Diagnosis of Retinoblastoma

The tests and procedures used in the diagnosis of retinoblastoma include an eye exam, and imaging tests such as a CT scan, ultrasound or an MRI.

Books For People With Signs and Symptoms of Retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma Resources

General Patient Resources

• Retinoblastoma . com

The parent’s guide to understanding retinoblastoma.

http://retinoblastoma.com/retinoblastoma

• National Cancer Institute

Information about retinoblastoma treatment, clinical trials, research, statistics, and other topics from the National Cancer Institute.

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/retinoblastoma/

• Ocolar Oncology Service

The latest treatments in Retinoblastoma, eye cancers, eye tumors and eye diseases are provided by the Ocular Oncology Service at Wills Eye Institute.

http://www.retinoblastomainfo.com/

• Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital

Detailed information on retinoblastoma, including causes, stages, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

http://www.lpch.org/DiseaseHealthInfo/HealthLibrary/oncology/retino.html

• Medicine . Net

Explains Retinoblastoma includes causes, who gets retinoblastoma, diagnosis, stages, and treatment.

http://www.medicinenet.com/retinoblastoma/article.htm

• Family Connect

Retinoblastoma Forum. Connect with other families whose children have retinoblastoma, and share your own experiences. Welcome to the FamilyConnect Community!

http://www.familyconnect.org/message_board_subjects.asp?FolderID=66

• Childhood Eye Cancer Trust

Welcome to our website. We are a UK charity for families and individuals affected by retinoblastoma. We offer support, fund research and raise awareness.

http://www.chect.org.uk/cms/

Medical Resources

• Mayo Clinic

Comprehensive overview covers symptoms, treatment of this eye cancer that occurs in young children.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/retinoblastoma/DS00786

• Pub Med Health

Reviews causes, incidence, risk factors, symptoms, treatment, prognosis and complications.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002025/

• Medline Plus

A service of the US National Library of Medicine.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001030.htm