DEFINITION Retinoblastoma is a cancer that starts from the retina - the sensitive layer of the eye. Retinoblastoma is generally found in children. Retina consists of a neural network that responds to light entering the eye. Then the retina send signals to the brain via the optic nerve, where the signal is interpreted as an image.
SYMPTOMS
Signs of retinoblastoma include:
- The white color in the center circle of the eye (pupil) when light bounces off the eye, such as when exposed to the camera flash.
- Direction of the eye look different from each other (strabismus)
- Eye redness
- Shiner
Risk factors
Retinablastoma occurs when genetic mutations occur in the retina that causes nerve cells continue to grow and multiply themselves when normal cells should die. Accumulation of these cells then form a tumor. Retinoblastoma can invade into the eye and surrounding tissue. Retinoblastoma can also spread to other areas inside the body, such as the brain and spinal cord.
In general, it is unclear what causes retinoblastoma. But is it possible if this is a congenital condition. Gene mutations that increase the risk of retinoblastoma and other cancers can be dropped from parent to child.
Prevention
Generally not known what causes retinoblastoma. Therefore there is no way to prevent it.
On families with retinoblastoma, consult your child is also experiencing the early stages of retinoblastoma. Retinablastoma if they can be caught early, eating will be possible to be cured.