Retinoblastoma
Retinoblastoma is a malignant tumor of the eye that originates from the retina. It can affect one or both eyes in children, and is typically diagnosed in those 5 years old or younger.
This rare cancer of the eye is caused by a gene abnormality in chromosomes that contain genetic code that control cell growth and development. Most cases of retinoblastoma appear without warning or family precedent. Around 40 percent of children with retinoblastoma have an inherited form of the tumor, even if it has not presented in any other member of the family. Ten percent have a family member with the disease.
Retinoblastoma is detected using a CT scan and/or eye ultrasound. Other tests, such as an MRI or blood work, may be administered as well. An oncologist (doctor who specializes in cancer treatment) is often included in diagnosis and treatment.
Retinoblastoma is one of the most curable of childhood cancers, with 95 percent surviving. Prognosis depends on size and location of the tumor or tumors.
Treatment options include:
- Laser therapy: laser light is used to destroy the tumor.
- Cryotherapy: freezing treatment is used to destroy the tumor.
- Chemotherapy: drug treatment given via the bloodstream is used to kill the cancer cells; it is sometimes used in conjunction with laser therapy.
- Radiotherapy: high energy radiation is used to destroy cancer cells.
- Enucleation: removal of the eye.
Source: American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
Children’s Eye Care provides this information for general educational purposes only. It should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published on this website is not intended to replace, supplant, or augment a consultation with an eye care professional. Children’s Eye Care disclaims any and all liability for injury or other damages that could result from use of the information obtained from this site.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
RELATED POSTS
What’s new with pediatric glaucoma
John D. Baker, MD Pediatric Ophthalmology Symposium 2025 | Baker Day Detroit
The John D. Baker, MD Pediatric Ophthalmology Symposium (Baker Day) Date: Friday, May 16, 2025. Lecture: 8:00 – 9:30 am Case Presentations: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Location: Children’s Hospital of Michigan, 3901 Beaubien Blvd, Detroit, MI For nearly four decades, the John D. Baker, MD Pediatric Ophthalmology Symposium, affectionately known as “Baker Day,” has brought together pediatric ophthalmologists, orthoptists,
Feb. 04, 2025
New Pediatric Ophthalmology Clinical Investigators
Children’s Eye Care is proud to be clinical investigators for the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group (PEDIG). PEDIG is a collaborative network dedicated to facilitating multi-center clinical research in strabismus, amblyopia and other eye disorders that affect children. This network is funded by the National Eye Institute (NEI) – a branch of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). There are currently over 100 participating
Dec. 15, 2015
Dr. Baker Honored with Award for Excellence
Dr. Baker was honored today with the Marshall M. Parks, MD Medal for excellence for the monumental contributions in the field of pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus. Dr. Baker has dedicated his career to fighting for patients, enhancing his field and training the next generation. He is incredibly deserving of every accolade bestowed upon him. He is our mentor, our peer
Apr. 07, 2016
Winner of the 2015 Richard G. Scobee Memorial Award
Nina Palomba, CO, COA won the 2015 Richard G. Scobee Memorial Award. This national recognition is given to the orthoptist, and training program, who received the highest written and oral scores on that year’s board certification. Ms. Palomba joined Children’s Eye Care in 2011 as an ophthalmic tech-trainee a year after completing her BS in child development at Central Michigan University.
Nov. 18, 2015
view all articles