Is retinoblastoma inherited?
Yes, retinoblastoma is inherited and a gene called RB1-gene is mutated in the condition. This gene codes for the Rb-1 protein. A mutation in the gene inactivates two copies of the protein leading to the development of retinoblastoma. The gene is located on long arm of chromosome 13. Every child of a parent having developed the condition has a 50% risk of inheriting the retinoblastoma gene. And tin children those who inherit the gene, there is a 90 percent chance of developing the cancer. Another notable condition, according to the NCI, is the sporadic heritable retinoblastoma, wherein a new mutation predisposes the child to the risk of developing the cancer. Does retinoblastoma occur in both eyes? Bilateral retinoblastomas occur during the first year of life and are directly caused by the genetic mutation. Among children aged less than a year, 42 percent of retinoblastomas are bilateral, while the incidence drops to 21 percent after one year of age. In older children, retinoblastoma oc
