Retinoblastoma

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2022-04-26
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Retinoblastoma (RB) is a rare type of eye cancer in the retina that typically develops before the age of 5. It usually affects only one eye, but 1/3 of children with RB develop cancer in both eyes. The first sign is typically a visible whiteness in the pupil called "cat's eye reflex" or leukocoria, which is particularly noticeable in photographs taken with a flash. Other signs and symptoms include strabismus; persistent eye pain, redness or irritation; and blindness or poor vision in the affected eye(s). Retinoblastoma is caused by mutations in the RB1 gene. In about 60% of people with retinoblastoma, mutations are not inherited and occur only in retinal cells. In the other 40% of individuals, mutations are inherited from a parent in an autosomal dominant pattern and can be found in all body cells. Retinoblastoma that is caused by an inherited mutation is called hereditary retinoblastoma. Hereditary retinoblastoma usually occurs at a younger age than retinoblastoma that is not inherited (15 months vs. 24 months). Retinoblastoma that occurs in only one eye is usually not inherited. Retinoblastoma that occurs in both eyes is thought to be inherited.