Normal looking vs. someone with a retinal tumor
Overview
Retinal tumors are abnormal growths of cells in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue located at the back of the eye. These tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), and they can originate from various cell types within the retina.
Types of Retinal Tumors
Some common types of retinal tumors include:
Retinoblastoma
This is a rare and malignant cancer that primarily affects young children. It originates in the cells of the retina and may occur in one or both eyes. Retinoblastoma can be hereditary or non-hereditary, and early detection and treatment are crucial for preserving vision and preventing the spread of cancer.
Retinal Astrocytoma
This is a benign tumor that arises from astrocytes, which are glial cells that provide support to nerve cells. Retinal astrocytomas are rare and often associated with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).
Choroidal Nevus
This is a common benign tumor that occurs in the choroid, the vascular layer beneath the retina. Choroidal nevi are typically pigmented and are often detected incidentally during routine eye examinations. While most are benign, some may have the potential to transform into a malignant melanoma.
Choroidal Hemangioma
This is a benign tumor composed of blood vessels and occurs in the choroid. Choroidal hemangiomas can cause visual disturbances and may be associated with systemic conditions such as Sturge-Weber syndrome.
Retinal Hemangioblastoma
This is a benign vascular tumor that can occur in the retina. It is often associated with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease, a genetic disorder that predisposes individuals to the development of tumors in various organs.
Retinal Lymphoma
Lymphomas can rarely involve the retina. These are usually secondary to systemic lymphoma that has spread to the eyes.
Overview
Retinal tumors are abnormal growths of cells in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue located at the back of the eye. These tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), and they can originate from various cell types within the retina.
Types of Retinal Tumors
Some common types of retinal tumors include:
Retinoblastoma
This is a rare and malignant cancer that primarily affects young children. It originates in the cells of the retina and may occur in one or both eyes. Retinoblastoma can be hereditary or non-hereditary, and early detection and treatment are crucial for preserving vision and preventing the spread of cancer.
Retinal Astrocytoma
This is a benign tumor that arises from astrocytes, which are glial cells that provide support to nerve cells. Retinal astrocytomas are rare and often associated with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).
Choroidal Nevus
This is a common benign tumor that occurs in the choroid, the vascular layer beneath the retina. Choroidal nevi are typically pigmented and are often detected incidentally during routine eye examinations. While most are benign, some may have the potential to transform into a malignant melanoma.
Choroidal Hemangioma
This is a benign tumor composed of blood vessels and occurs in the choroid. Choroidal hemangiomas can cause visual disturbances and may be associated with systemic conditions such as Sturge-Weber syndrome.
Retinal Hemangioblastoma
This is a benign vascular tumor that can occur in the retina. It is often associated with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease, a genetic disorder that predisposes individuals to the development of tumors in various organs.
Retinal Lymphoma
Lymphomas can rarely involve the retina. These are usually secondary to systemic lymphoma that has spread to the eyes.
Overview
Retinal tumors are abnormal growths of cells in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue located at the back of the eye. These tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), and they can originate from various cell types within the retina.
Types of Retinal Tumors
Some common types of retinal tumors include:
Retinoblastoma
This is a rare and malignant cancer that primarily affects young children. It originates in the cells of the retina and may occur in one or both eyes. Retinoblastoma can be hereditary or non-hereditary, and early detection and treatment are crucial for preserving vision and preventing the spread of cancer.
Retinal Astrocytoma
This is a benign tumor that arises from astrocytes, which are glial cells that provide support to nerve cells. Retinal astrocytomas are rare and often associated with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).
Choroidal Nevus
This is a common benign tumor that occurs in the choroid, the vascular layer beneath the retina. Choroidal nevi are typically pigmented and are often detected incidentally during routine eye examinations. While most are benign, some may have the potential to transform into a malignant melanoma.
Choroidal Hemangioma
This is a benign tumor composed of blood vessels and occurs in the choroid. Choroidal hemangiomas can cause visual disturbances and may be associated with systemic conditions such as Sturge-Weber syndrome.
Retinal Hemangioblastoma
This is a benign vascular tumor that can occur in the retina. It is often associated with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease, a genetic disorder that predisposes individuals to the development of tumors in various organs.
Retinal Lymphoma
Lymphomas can rarely involve the retina. These are usually secondary to systemic lymphoma that has spread to the eyes.
