Risk Factors
A risk factor is a characteristic, behavior, or condition that raises the possibility of developing a disease. Here are some of the risk factors for developing retinoblastoma:
Genetic Mutation
A well-accepted risk factor for retinoblastoma is a genetic mutation in chromosome 13, a tumor suppressor gene. This gene mutation triggers a second mutation during the development of the retina that causes retinoblastoma.
Family History
In some cases, the genetic mutation that causes retinoblastoma can be hereditary, and is passed down from parents to children. It is important for parents to seek out genetic counseling, or talk to a trained professional about inherited diseases. This way, parents will know if their child is at high risk for disease.
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Some doctors have suggested that a parent being infected with HPV may increase the risk of a child developing retinoblastoma. However, this risk factor is still a theory, and has not yet been proven.
