What is retinoblastoma?

Retinoblastoma is indeed a type of cancer that primarily affects the retina, which is the sensory tissue at the back of the eye. It typically occurs in young children, often before the age of five, and can be present at birth or develop shortly after. The cancer arises from retinal cells that have undergone malignant transformation, leading to the formation of tumors. Recognizing this condition early is critical because early intervention can significantly improve outcomes.

The other options describe different types of cancers affecting various organs and systems in the body. Liver cancer in children is quite rare and typically does not occur as a direct counterpart to retinoblastoma. Bone cancer primarily refers to types such as osteosarcoma, which is also not linked to the eye. Likewise, cancers affecting the lymphatic system are usually described as lymphomas or leukemias, which are distinct from the retinal tumors characterized in retinoblastoma. Understanding these differences helps clarify why retinoblastoma specifically refers to an eye cancer.