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Disease Profile

Retinoblastoma

Prevalence
Prevalence estimates on Rare Medical Network websites are calculated based on data available from numerous sources, including US and European government statistics, the NIH, Orphanet, and published epidemiologic studies. Rare disease population data is recognized to be highly variable, and based on a wide variety of source data and methodologies, so the prevalence data on this site should be assumed to be estimated and cannot be considered to be absolutely correct.

Unknown

US Estimated

Europe Estimated

Age of onset

Infancy

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ICD-10

C69.2

Inheritance

Autosomal dominant A pathogenic variant in only one gene copy in each cell is sufficient to cause an autosomal dominant disease.

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Autosomal recessive Pathogenic variants in both copies of each gene of the chromosome are needed to cause an autosomal recessive disease and observe the mutant phenotype.

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X-linked
dominant X-linked dominant inheritance, sometimes referred to as X-linked dominance, is a mode of genetic inheritance by which a dominant gene is carried on the X chromosome.

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X-linked
recessive Pathogenic variants in both copies of a gene on the X chromosome cause an X-linked recessive disorder.

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Mitochondrial or multigenic Mitochondrial genetic disorders can be caused by changes (mutations) in either the mitochondrial DNA or nuclear DNA that lead to dysfunction of the mitochondria and inadequate production of energy.

Multigenic or multifactor Inheritance involving many factors, of which at least one is genetic but none is of overwhelming importance, as in the causation of a disease by multiple genetic and environmental factors.

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Not applicable

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Other names (AKA)

RB; Retinal tumor; Retinal cancer;

Categories

Rare Cancers

Summary

Retinoblastoma (RB) is a rare type of eye cancer in the retina that typically develops before the age of 5. It usually affects only one eye, but 1/3 of children with RB develop cancer in both eyes. The first sign is typically a visible whiteness in the pupil called "cat's eye reflex" or leukocoria, which is particularly noticeable in photographs taken with a flash. Other signs and symptoms include strabismus; persistent eye pain, redness or irritation; and blindness or poor vision in the affected eye(s). Retinoblastoma is caused by mutations in the RB1 gene. In about 60% of people with retinoblastoma, mutations are not inherited and occur only in retinal cells. In the other 40% of individuals, mutations are inherited from a parent in an autosomal dominant pattern and can be found in all body cells.[1] Retinoblastoma that is caused by an inherited mutation is called hereditary retinoblastoma. Hereditary retinoblastoma usually occurs at a younger age than retinoblastoma that is not inherited (15 months vs. 24 months). Retinoblastoma that occurs in only one eye is usually not inherited. Retinoblastoma that occurs in both eyes is thought to be inherited.[2]

Symptoms

This table lists symptoms that people with this disease may have. For most diseases, symptoms will vary from person to person. People with the same disease may not have all the symptoms listed. This information comes from a database called the Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) . The HPO collects information on symptoms that have been described in medical resources. The HPO is updated regularly. Use the HPO ID to access more in-depth information about a symptom.

Medical Terms Other Names
Learn More:
HPO ID
100% of people have these symptoms
Retinoblastoma
0009919
30%-79% of people have these symptoms
Glaucoma
0000501
Hypopyon
0031615
Leukocoria
0000555
Proptosis
Bulging eye
Eyeballs bulging out
Prominent eyes
Prominent globes
Protruding eyes

[ more ]

0000520
Strabismus
Cross-eyed
Squint
Squint eyes

[ more ]

0000486
5%-29% of people have these symptoms
Abnormality of retinal pigmentation
0007703
Cellulitis
Bacterial infection of skin
Skin infection

[ more ]

0100658
Heterochromia iridis
Different colored eyes
0001100
Hyphema
0011886
Leiomyosarcoma
0100243
Leukemia
0001909
Lymphoma
Cancer of lymphatic system
0002665
Melanoma
0002861
Osteosarcoma
Bone cell cancer
0002669
Red eye
0025337
Reduced visual acuity
Decreased clarity of vision
0007663
Retinal calcification
0007862
Rhabdomyosarcoma
0002859
Subretinal pigment epithelium hemorrhage
0025244
Uveitis
0000554
Vitreous hemorrhage
0007902
Vitritis
0011531
1%-4% of people have these symptoms
Cleft palate
Cleft roof of mouth
0000175
Ewing sarcoma
0012254
Glioma
0009733
Pineoblastoma
0030408
Percent of people who have these symptoms is not available through HPO
Autosomal dominant inheritance
0000006
Pinealoma
0010799
Somatic mutation
0001428
Sporadic
No previous family history
0003745

Diagnosis

Making a diagnosis for a genetic or rare disease can often be challenging. Healthcare professionals typically look at a person’s medical history, symptoms, physical exam, and laboratory test results in order to make a diagnosis. The following resources provide information relating to diagnosis and testing for this condition. If you have questions about getting a diagnosis, you should contact a healthcare professional.

Testing Resources

  • The Genetic Testing Registry (GTR) provides information about the genetic tests for this condition. The intended audience for the GTR is health care providers and researchers. Patients and consumers with specific questions about a genetic test should contact a health care provider or a genetics professional.

Learn more

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • MedlinePlus was designed by the National Library of Medicine to help you research your health questions, and it provides more information about this topic.
  • Genetics Home Reference (GHR) contains information on Retinoblastoma. This website is maintained by the National Library of Medicine.
  • The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library provides information on this condition for patients and caregivers.
  • The National Cancer Institute provides the most current information on cancer for patients, health professionals, and the general public.
  • The National Eye Institute (NEI) was established by Congress in 1968 to protect and prolong the vision of the American people. Click on the link to view information on this topic.
  • The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) has a report for patients and families about this condition. NORD is a patient advocacy organization for individuals with rare diseases and the organizations that serve them.

In-Depth Information

  • GeneReviews provides current, expert-authored, peer-reviewed, full-text articles describing the application of genetic testing to the diagnosis, management, and genetic counseling of patients with specific inherited conditions.
  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) is a catalog of human genes and genetic disorders. Each entry has a summary of related medical articles. It is meant for health care professionals and researchers. OMIM is maintained by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. 
  • Orphanet is a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Access to this database is free of charge.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Retinoblastoma. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

References

  1. Retinoblastoma. Genetics Home Reference. April 2009; https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=retinoblastoma. Accessed 4/29/2011.
  2. General Information About Retinoblastoma. Retinoblastoma Treatment (PDQ). March 2012; https://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/retinoblastoma/patient. Accessed 4/2/2012.