The classic presenting sign of retinoblastoma in young children is?

The classic presenting sign of retinoblastoma in young children is?

• A. Red eye with discharge
• B. Leukocoria (white pupil)
• C. Eye pain worse at night
• D. Protrusion of the eyeball

Answer: (B)

Retinoblastoma often presents in young children with a white reflection in the pupil known as leukocoria. This occurs because the retinal tumor disrupts the normal red reflex when light enters the eye, so the pupil appears white rather than red. Parents may notice it in photos or during a simple flashlight exam. Other signs like a red, discharge-filled eye, night-time eye pain, or eye protrusion point to other conditions or more advanced disease, not the typical early tumor sign. Recognizing leukocoria prompts urgent ophthalmologic evaluation and imaging to confirm and treat promptly.

Retinoblastoma often presents in young children with a white reflection in the pupil known as leukocoria. This occurs because the retinal tumor disrupts the normal red reflex when light enters the eye, so the pupil appears white rather than red. Parents may notice it in photos or during a simple flashlight exam. Other signs like a red, discharge-filled eye, night-time eye pain, or eye protrusion point to other conditions or more advanced disease, not the typical early tumor sign. Recognizing leukocoria prompts urgent ophthalmologic evaluation and imaging to confirm and treat promptly.