Retinoblastoma overview

Overview
Retinoblastoma is a cancer of the retina. Development of this tumor is initiated by mutations that inactivate both copies of the RB1 gene, which codes for the retinoblastoma protein.

It occurs mostly in children younger than 5 years and accounts for about 3% of the cancers occurring in children younger than 15 years. Adult cases have also been clinically recorded. The estimated annual incidence is approximately 4 per million children. It begins with white blotches in one or both eyes (leukocoria) which can be seen in photographs (this is distinct from the red-eye effect which is normal); or when light reflects off the eye, as when watching television.

The tumor may begin in one or both eyes. Retinoblastoma is usually confined to the eye but can spread to the brain via the optic nerve.

As the retina is the light-sensitive part of the eye necessary for vision, loss of vision occurs.

The condition reached the headlines in May 2007, when Utah Jazz point guard Derek Fisher revealed that his 10-month-old daughter had the condition. Fisher missed Game 1 and half of Game 2 of the 2007 NBA playoff series versus the Golden State Warriors to be with his daughter for her surgery in New York City.