Understanding Retinoblastoma (Rb): Causes, Symptoms, and Management

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Retinoblastoma (Rb)

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

Additional names

This group contains additional names: - Cancer of retina - Retinal cancer - Melanoma, retina

General

Retinoblastoma is an eye cancer that begins in the retina - the sensitive lining on the inside of the eye. Retinoblastoma most commonly affects young children, but can rarely occur in adults. The retina is made up of nerve tissue that senses light as it comes through the front of the eye. The retina sends signals through the optic nerve to the brain, where these signals are interpreted as images. A rare form of eye cancer, retinoblastoma is the most common form of cancer affecting the eye in children. Retinoblastoma may occur in one or both eyes.

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Signs & symptoms

Because retinoblastoma mostly affects infants and small children, symptoms aren't common. Signs parents may notice include: - A white color in the center circle of the eye (pupil) when light is shone in the eye, such as when someone takes a flash photograph of the child - Eyes that appear to be looking in different directions - Poor vision - Eye redness - Eye swelling

Diagnosis

Tests and procedures used to diagnose retinoblastoma include: - Eye exam: To determine what's causing signs and symptoms. - Imaging tests: Scans and other imaging tests can help to determine whether retinoblastoma has grown to affect other structures around the eye. Imaging tests may include ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), among others.

Treatment

The main types of treatment for retinoblastoma are: - Surgery (Enucleation) for Retinoblastoma - Radiation Therapy for Retinoblastoma - Laser Therapy (Photocoagulation or Thermotherapy) for Retinoblastoma - Cryotherapy for Retinoblastoma - Chemotherapy for Retinoblastoma

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike

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