Retinoblastoma is a type of eye cancer which occurs in the retina. The condition develops when retinal cells mutate, start growing uncontrollably and form a tumor. Those cells usually spread in the eye and the surrounding structures and can also spread to other parts of the body (as metastases), including the brain and spinal cord.
As most types of cancer, the reason for the genetic mutation is unclear, but it is known that children can inherit the genetic mutation from their parents. In children with hereditary retinoblastoma, the condition can develop at an earlier age, and it usually affects both eyes.
In patients with retinoblastoma, you can notice a white color in the pupil when light shines in the eyes. Other signs of retinoblastoma can include redness and swelling of the eye.
Treatment depends on the type of the tumor and whether the cancer has spread in other zones, as well as other factors. The methods are as follows:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Laser therapy (laser photocoagulation)