Retinoblastoma
Also known as Childhood Eye Cancer, White Pupil Reflex, Leukocoria, Retinal Tumor, RB1 Eye Cancer
Bottom Line
Retinoblastoma is a rare eye cancer in young children. A white pupil in photos or a new crossed eye needs urgent eye care.
Retinoblastoma is a cancer that starts in the retina, the light-sensing layer inside the eye. It usually affects babies and young children 1.
The common warning signs are a white pupil reflex, a new crossed eye, poor vision, eye redness, or eye swelling. A white pupil is called leukocoria 2.
Treatment focuses first on saving the child's life. When safe, specialists also try to save the eye and useful vision 3.
Warning Signs
Retinoblastoma can look like common childhood eye problems. These signs should not be watched at home:
- White pupil reflex. This may show in flash photos.
- New crossed eye. One eye may turn inward or outward.
- Poor vision. A child may cover or stop using one eye.
- Red, painful, or swollen eye. This can happen with advanced disease.
Leukocoria and strabismus are important presenting signs in retinoblastoma 2.
Treatment
Care is handled by a team with ocular oncology, pediatric oncology, and pediatric eye specialists.
- Laser or freezing. These may treat small tumors.
- Chemotherapy. Medicine may be given through the body, into an artery, or inside the eye.
- Radiation. This is used less often than in the past.
- Eye removal. This may be safest for a very advanced eye.
Intra-arterial chemotherapy is one eye-saving option used by some centers 4.
Common Questions About Retinoblastoma
Next Steps
- 1Call pediatric ophthalmology this week for a white pupil or new crossed eye.
- 2Go to the emergency room for sudden vision loss or a painful swollen eye.
- 3Bring flash photos that show the abnormal pupil reflex.
- 4Ask whether genetic counseling is needed.
- 5Keep every follow-up exam after treatment.
Find specialists for Retinoblastoma
Board-certified ophthalmologists who treat Retinoblastoma.
Also relevant