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Retinoblastoma

What are the causes?

The cause of Retinoblastoma is a genetic defect, usually a mutation, affecting the Retinoblastoma gene on chromosome 13. In approximately 1 in 20 children with retinoblastoma, a small deletion of chromosome 13 can be detected by cytogenetic analysis looking at a chromosome preparation under the microscope. These children may have other features including a characteristic facial appearance with bushy eyebrows and they are sometimes delayed in reaching their milestones. This is known as the 13q deletion syndrome.

View What are the symptoms? What are the symptoms?  |  How is it treated? View How is it treated?

Medical text written October 2001 by Dr J Kingston. Last updated December 2005 by Dr J Kingston, Consultant Paediatric Oncologist, St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, UK.

 

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