Retinoblastoma (eye cancer in children)
Signs and symptomsof retinoblastoma
Signs and symptoms of retinoblastoma include:
- an unusual white reflectionin thepupil this may be apparentin photos where only the healthy eye appears red from the flash, or you may notice itin a dark or artificially lit room
- asquint
- a change in the colour of the iris in one eye or sometimes only in one area of the eye
- a red or inflamed eye thoughyour child won't usually complain of any pain
- poor vision your child may not focus on faces or objects, or they may not be able to control their eye movements (this is more common when both eyes are affected);they maysay that they can't see as well as they used to
These symptoms may be caused by something other than retinoblastoma. However, you should get them checked by your GP as soon as possible.
It's unusual for retinoblastoma to progress unnoticed beyond the age of five.Signs in older children includethe eye appearing red, sore or swollen, and someloss of vision in the affected eye.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Read about retinoblastoma, a rare type of eye cancer that affects young children. Information about symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, plus help and support.
Signs and symptomsof retinoblastoma
Signs and symptoms of retinoblastoma include: an unusual white reflectionin thepupil this may be apparentin photos where only the healthy eye appears red from the flash, or you may notice itin a dark
Whatcauses retinoblastoma?
Retinoblastoma is cancer of the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive lining at the back of the eye.During the early stages of a baby's development, retinal eye cells grow very quickly and then st
Diagnosingretinoblastoma
Your GP will carry out a'red reflex test' in a darkened roomusing an ophthalmoscope (a magnifyinginstrument witha light at one end).When a light is shone into your child's eyes, your GP will see a red
Treatingretinoblastoma
Your child will be treated by a specialist retinoblastoma team at either the Royal London Hospital or Birmingham Children's Hospital.However, if your child needschemotherapy, it will usually be carrie
Screeningfor retinoblastoma
If you're expecting a baby and you had retinoblastoma yourself as a child, or you have a family history of retinoblastoma, it's important to tell your GP or midwife.This is because in some cases retin
Gettingsupport
The specialist teams at the retinoblastoma centres at The Royal London Hospital and Birmingham Children's Hospital have a wealth of knowledge about retinoblastoma. You can discuss any worries or conce
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