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Condition

Pediatric Retinoblastoma

Key Points About Retinoblastoma in Children

  • Retinoblastoma is a rare cancer of the retina of the eye. The retina is a specialized group of nerve cells located in the back of the eye. These light sensing cells are connected to the brain and optic nerve which allows sight.
  • The cancer may be passed on from parents (inherited) or it may occur by chance (sporadic).
  • The most common symptoms are an abnormal white reflection from the retina (leukocoria) and misaligned eyes (strabismus).
  • It’s diagnosed by a dilated indirect ophthalmoscopic exam.
  • In the U.S., the prognosis for most children with retinoblastoma is very good.
  • There are many treatments for retinoblastoma including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, laser therapy and cryotherapy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Cancer Treatment at Children's National Hospital

The pediatric cancer experts at Children’s National in Washington, D.C., provide highly-specialized care for children in our innovative, comprehensive cancer programs. Discover more about the treatments we offer.

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    Departments that Treat Retinoblastoma

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    Solid Tumor Program

    Our Solid Tumor Program has a dedicated team of sarcoma experts who specialize in the newest treatments and clinical trials.

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    Neurointerventional Radiology Program

    Our Neurointerventional Radiology Program targets the tiniest spaces in a child's brain or spine using catheters and imaging to treat vascular conditions without more invasive surgery.

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    Oncology

    Our oncology (cancer) team provides personalized treatment plans for children with cancer, including access to clinical trials.