Young boy gets his eyes examined by a doctor

At a glance: Retinoblastoma

  • Symptoms:

    Eye swelling or redness, whiteness in the pupil, eyes that point in different directions

  • Diagnosis:

    Dilated eye exam, scans or imaging tests of the eye

  • Treatment:

    Chemotherapy, radiation, laser treatment, freezing treatment (cryotherapy), surgery

What is retinoblastoma?

Retinoblastoma is a type of cancer that forms in the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye).

Who is at risk for retinoblastoma?

The disease usually occurs in children younger than 5 years and may be in one eye or in both eyes. In some cases the disease is inherited from a parent.

What's the treatment for retinoblastoma?

Retinoblastoma is a serious, life-threatening disease. However, with early diagnosis and timely treatment, in most cases, a child’s eyesight and life can be saved. 

For more information on treating retinoblastoma, please visit the National Cancer Institute website.

Last updated: August 12, 2019