The short answer
Retinoblastoma is a cancer that forms in the retina, the light-sensing layer at the back of the eye. It mostly affects young children and is often first noticed as a white glow in the pupil. Treatment aims to cure the cancer and, when possible, save vision.
Retinoblastoma forms in the retina, the light-sensing layer at the back of the eye.
It mainly affects young children, usually under age 5.
A common early sign is a white glow in the pupil, especially in photos with flash.
It can affect one eye or both, and some forms are inherited.
Choose how you want to understand this
The full explanation.
The simple version
Retinoblastoma is a cancer that forms in the retina — the light-sensing layer at the back of the eye. It mostly affects young children under age 5 and is the most common eye cancer in children.
An early sign to know
A common early sign is a white glow in the pupil, sometimes noticed in flash photographs where the pupil looks white instead of red. A crossed or wandering eye can be another sign. Any of these should be checked by a doctor.
One eye or both
Retinoblastoma can affect one eye or both. When both eyes are involved, it is usually caused by an inherited gene change, and families may be offered genetic counseling to understand the chance of it running in the family.
How it is treated
Treatment depends on the size and location of the tumor and whether one or both eyes are affected. Options can include chemotherapy, laser or freezing treatments, radiation, and, when needed, surgery to remove the eye. The goals are to cure the cancer and, when possible, save the eye and vision.
The goals of treatment are to cure the cancer and, when possible, preserve vision.
Words to know
Tap any term to see what it means.
Common questions
▸What is retinoblastoma?
Retinoblastoma is a cancer that forms in the retina, the light-sensing tissue at the back of the eye. It is the most common eye cancer in children.
▸What is an early sign?
A common early sign is a white glow or reflection in the pupil, sometimes seen in flash photographs, instead of the usual red reflection. A child may also develop a crossed or wandering eye.
▸Can it affect both eyes?
Yes. Retinoblastoma can affect one eye or both. When both eyes are involved, it is usually the inherited form.
▸Is it inherited?
Some retinoblastoma is caused by an inherited gene change, especially when both eyes are affected. Families may be offered genetic counseling.
▸How is it treated?
Treatment depends on the size and location of the tumor and whether one or both eyes are affected. Options can include chemotherapy, laser or freezing treatments, radiation, and sometimes surgery to remove the eye. The goals are to cure the cancer and, when possible, save vision.
Questions to ask your doctor
Being prepared helps you get the most out of your appointments. Save or print these questions.
Tap a question to save it to your list (kept on this device).
Test your knowledge
0 of 4 answered
This quiz checks understanding of educational content only. It is not medical advice. Open this quiz on its own page.