1. Retinoblastoma

2. Description This disease is a cancer that affects young children. Most of the time it is caused by a mutation in the womb. It is very rarely passed on from a male or female. The disease is found in the retina of the eye and can cause many different symptoms. Including the pupil turning white in bright light or in general. It can be dangerous if not treated quickly and properly. Most children survive this disease.

3. Causes  In germinal retinoblastoma, mutations in the RB1 gene appear to be inherited in a autosomal dominant pattern.  Generally, it is mot a sex-linked gene, the gene is mutated.  Nondisjunction, the failure of homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids to separate properly during cell division, during Mitosis can contribute to its development.  The chromosome affected is chromosome 13.  You can get it from a mutation in the womb, or it can be inherited from parents.  The gene affected, RB1, is a suppressor gene.

4. Facts About the Disease  This disease affects 250 to 350 kids each year.  It is found in younger children under the age of 15, it generally occurs in children between 12 months to 5 years.  It affects males and females equally.  It affects different races equally.

5. Symptoms  Poorly aligned or "wandering" eye, known as strabismus  Reddish pupil, often with pain  Larger-than-normal pupil  Different-colored irises  Poor vision or decreased vision  Cats eye reflex

6. Tests  Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan.  Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).  Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy.  Ultrasound.  And a physical examination, (obviously).

7. Treatment  Surgery  Radiation Therapy  Photocoagulation  Cryotherapy  Thermotherapy  Chemotherapy  High-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplant  The disease can possibly be if not treated quickly and efficiently.

8. Other Facts  It is rare beyond the age of 6.  95% of kids are cured.

9. It is formed in the retina. Chart

10. Citations  http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/retinoblastoma http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/retinoblastoma  http://www.cancer.org/cancer/retinoblastoma/detailedguide/retinoblastoma -what-is-retinoblastoma http://www.cancer.org/cancer/retinoblastoma/detailedguide/retinoblastoma -what-is-retinoblastoma  http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/cancer/retinoblastoma.html http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/cancer/retinoblastoma.html  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nondisjunction https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nondisjunction