Retinoblastoma is the commonest eye cancer in infancy and childhood, affecting one in seventeen thousand live births. The retina is the living photographic film in the back of the eye. Retinoblastoma means tumours in the retina.
Retinoblastoma can appear in one or both eyes.
The cause is unknown. In these cases genetic counselling is important. If only one eye is affected there is no significant risk of the disease being passed on to the next generation unless others in the family are affected. Retinoblastoma can show up in several ways. As the young infant can't communicate, the parents need to watch for anything unusual about the child's eyes.