Retinablastoma Causes & Risks

Causes

During early stages of fetal development, fast-growing, immature cells called retinoblasts form. Later, these cells become retinal cells. In retinoblastoma, some of these cells quickly grow out of control. Some cases of the tumor are inherited; others are not. Retinoblastoma usually forms only in one eye, but both eyes may have tumors.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors for retinoblastoma include:

• Age: less than 5 years old (typically)
• Family members with retinoblastoma