Paediatrics

Retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma is a malignant retinal tumour of early childhood, usually signalled by leukocoria or strabismus; an absent fundal red reflex needs urgent specialist ophthalmological assessment because early treatment can save life, the eye and vision.

Definition

Retinoblastoma is a malignant tumour arising from the developing retina, usually in early childhood. It may be intraocular in one or both eyes or extend into the optic nerve, orbit or distant sites.

First principles

The red reflex is a safety-critical observation

Leukocoria is a white or abnormal pupillary reflex, often noticed in a flash photograph. It is not synonymous with retinoblastoma, but retinoblastoma is a time-critical differential. A new squint, painful red eye or reduced vision may be the presenting feature when leukocoria is not obvious.

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