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Retinoblastoma is a rare type of eye cancer that affects the retina, which is the layer of cells at the back of the eye that are responsible for detecting light. This cancer typically affects young children, but can also occur in adults.
Causes
Retinoblastoma is caused by changes (mutations) in the RB1 gene, which is responsible for producing a protein that helps to regulate cell growth in the retina. In people with retinoblastoma, mutations in the RB1 gene lead to uncontrolled cell growth in the retina, which can result in the formation of tumors.
Risk factors
Retinoblastoma is a rare condition, and the exact causes of the mutations in the RB1 gene are not fully understood. However, there are some factors that may increase the risk of developing retinoblastoma, including:
Symptoms
The symptoms of retinoblastoma can include:
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of retinoblastoma typically involves a comprehensive eye exam, which may include:
Treatment
The treatment of retinoblastoma depends on the size and location of the tumor, as well as the extent of the cancer. Treatment options may include:
Prognosis
The outlook for children with retinoblastoma depends on the stage and extent of the cancer, as well as the child's overall health. In general, children with retinoblastoma have a good prognosis, especially if the cancer is detected and treated early. However, children who have a family history of the condition or who develop the cancer in both eyes may have a higher risk of complications.
Conclusion
Retinoblastoma is a rare type of eye cancer that affects the retina. It is caused by mutations in the RB1 gene, which result in uncontrolled cell growth in the retina. Symptoms of retinoblastoma can include a white pupil, eye redness or swelling, decreased vision, crossed or wandering eyes, and pain or discomfort in the eye. Treatment options for retinoblastoma may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or laser therapy, and the outlook for children with the condition depends on the stage and extent of the cancer.