Retinoblastoma Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version

General Information About Retinoblastoma

KEY POINTS

Retinoblastoma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the retina.
Children with a family history of retinoblastoma should have eye exams to check for retinoblastoma.
Retinoblastoma occurs in heritable and nonheritable forms.
A child who has heritable retinoblastoma has an increased risk of trilateral retinoblastoma and other cancers.
Genetic testing can determine whether a child has the heritable or nonheritable form of retinoblastoma.
Signs and symptoms of retinoblastoma include "white pupil" and eyes that appear to be looking in different directions (crossed eyes).
Tests that examine the retina are used to diagnose retinoblastoma.
Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.

Retinoblastoma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the retina.

The retina is made of nerve tissue that lines the inside wall of the back of the eye. It receives light and converts the light into signals that travel down the optic nerve to the brain. The brain decodes the signals so that you can see the image.