retinoblastoma
Noun: - A malignant tumor that develops in the retina of the eye, typically composed of primitive, small, round retinal cells. It is a rare cancer that most often occurs in very young children, usually before the age of three.
The word "retinoblastoma" is a medical term used specifically in oncology and ophthalmology to diagnose and discuss this particular type of eye cancer. It is always used as a singular noun.
- The infant was diagnosed with retinoblastoma after a routine eye exam revealed an abnormal reflex.
- Early detection of retinoblastoma is crucial for preserving vision and improving treatment outcomes.
- Research into the genetic causes of retinoblastoma has advanced significantly.
- Hereditary/Bilateral Retinoblastoma: This form is caused by an inherited genetic mutation and often affects both eyes (is bilateral).
- The family history indicated a case of hereditary retinoblastoma.
- Sporadic/Unilateral Retinoblastoma: This form occurs without a family history and typically affects only one eye.
- The tumor was confirmed as a sporadic, unilateral retinoblastoma.
- Retinoblastomas (plural noun): The standard plural form.
- The study compared the genetic profiles of several retinoblastomas.
- Rb (abbreviation): A common abbreviation used in medical contexts, also referring to the tumor suppressor gene associated with the disease.
- The patient tested positive for the Rb gene mutation.
- Retinal glioma (This is an older or less precise synonym, as "glioma" broadly refers to tumors of glial cells, while retinoblastoma is specifically of retinal precursor cells).
- Malignant retinal tumor (A descriptive synonym rather than a specific medical term).
The term refers exclusively to this specific pediatric malignancy. It does not describe other eye tumors or cancers that occur in different parts of the eye or in older individuals. The definition is tightly linked to its origin (retinal cells), its typical patient age (early childhood), and its cellular composition (primitive small round cells).
- malignant ocular tumor of retinal cells; usually occurs before the third year of life; composed of primitive small round retinal cells