How Common Is Retinoblastoma?

Retinoblastoma is a rare type of eye cancer that usually develops in early childhood, typically before the age of 5. In developed nations, the incidence of retinoblastoma is 1 case of retinoblastoma per 18,000 to 30,000 live births worldwide.  This form of cancer develops in the retina which is the specialized light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that detects light and color.  It develops rapidly from the immature cells of a retina.

Retinoblastoma is the most common malignant cancer of the eye in children.  Almost half of all retinoblastoma cases in children have a hereditary, genetic defect related to retinoblastoma.  Genetic testing is available to help identify the risk of retinoblastoma.  In the United States, retinoblastoma has one of the highest cure rates of all childhood cancers (95-98 percent).

For more information about retinoblastoma, please contact the staff at Associated Retina Consultants in Phoenix at 602-242-4928 or associatedretinaconsultants.com to schedule an appointment.