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Brain tumor - children

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Brain
Brain
Primary brain tumor
Primary brain tumor

Alternative Names    Return to top

Glioblastoma multiforme - children; Ependymoma - children; Glioma - children; Astrocytoma - children; Medulloblastoma - children; Neuroglioma - children; Oligodendroglioma - children; Meningioma - children; Cancer - brain tumor (children)

Definition    Return to top

A primary brain tumor is a group (mass) of abnormal cells that start in the brain. This article focuses on primary brain tumors in children.

See also:

Causes    Return to top

The cause of primary brain tumors is unknown. Primary brain tumors may be:

Brain tumors are classified depending on the exact site of the tumor, the type of tissue involved, and whether or not it is cancerous. Brain tumors can directly destroy brain cells. They may also indirectly damage cells by pushing on other parts of the brain. This leads to swelling and increased pressure within the skull.

Tumors may occur at any age, but many specific tumors are more common at a specific age. However, most brain tumors are rare in the first year of life. Some of the most common childhood brain tumors include:

SPECIFIC TUMOR TYPES

Astrocytomas are usually noncancerous, slow-growing cysts. They most commonly develop in children ages 5 - 8. The main treatment is surgery to remove the tumor.

Brainstem gliomas occur almost exclusively in children. The average age of development is about 6 years old. The tumor may grow very large before triggering symptoms. Surgery is usually not possible because of the tumor's location in the brain. Radiation and chemotherapy are used to shrink the tumor and prolong life. The 5-year survival rate is low.

Ependymomas make up about 8 - 10% of pediatric brain tumors. The tumors are located in tiny passageways (ventricles) in the brain, and block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

Medulloblastomas are the most common type of childhood brain cancer. They occur more often in boys than girls, usually around age 5. Most medulloblastomas occur before the age of 10. Surgery alone does not cure this type of cancer. Chemotherapy and radiation are often used in combination with surgery.

See also: Craniopharyngioma

Symptoms    Return to top

The specific symptoms vary, but may include:

Infants may have the following signs and symptoms:

Additional symptoms that may be associated with primary brain tumors:

Exams and Tests    Return to top

The health care provider will perform a physical exam. The child may have a positive Babinski's reflex. The physical exam can often identify signs and symptoms that are specific to the location of the tumor. However, some tumors may not cause symptoms until they are very large and cause a rapid decline in the child's mental function.

The following tests may be used to detect a brain tumor and identify its location:

Treatment    Return to top

Early treatment often improves the chance of a good outcome. Treatment, however, depends on the size and type of tumor and the general health of the child.

The goals of treatment may be to cure the tumor, relieve symptoms, and improve brain function or the child's comfort.

Surgery is necessary for most primary brain tumors. Some tumors may be completely removed. Those that are deep inside the brain or that enter brain tissue may be debulked instead of entirely removed. Debulking is a procedure to reduce the tumor's size.

In cases where the tumor cannot be removed, surgery may still help reduce pressure and relieve symptoms.

Radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be used for certain tumors.

Other medications used to treat primary brain tumors in children may include:

Comfort measures, safety measures, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other such steps may be required to improve quality of life. Counseling, support groups, and similar measures may be needed to help in coping with the disorder.

Support Groups    Return to top

For additional information, see cancer resources.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call a health care provider if a child develops persistent headaches or other symptoms of a brain tumor.

Go to the emergency room if a child has a seizure that is unusual or suddenly develops stupor (reduced alertness), vision changes, or speech changes.

References    Return to top

Buckner JC, Brown PD, O'Neill BP, Meyer FB, Wetmore CJ, Uhm JH. Central nervous system tumors. Mayo Clin Proc. 2007;82(10):1271-1286.

Update Date: 6/10/2008

Updated by: James R. Mason, MD, Oncologist, Director, Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program and Stem Cell Processing Lab, Scripps Clinic, Torrey Pines, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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