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Brain tumor - childrenDefinition A tumor is any growth of abnormal cells, or the uncontrolled growth of cells. This article is about primary brain tumors. These start in the brain, rather than spreading to the brain from another part of the body. See also:
Causes, incidence, and risk factors Primary brain tumors include any tumor that starts in the brain. Tumors may be confined to a small area, invasive (spread to nearby areas), benign (not cancerous), or malignant (cancerous). Tumors can directly destroy brain cells. They can also indirectly damage cells by producing inflammation, compressing other parts of the brain as the tumor grows, causing swelling in the brain, and increasing pressure within the skull. Brain tumors are classified depending on the exact site of the tumor, the type of tissue involved, benign or malignant tendencies of the tumor, and other factors. The cause of primary brain tumors is unknown. Tumors may occur at any age, but many specific tumors have a particular age group in which they are most common. The most common childhood brain tumors are gliomas, astrocytomas, medulloblastomas, ependymomas, and brain stem gliomas. Most brain tumors are rare in the first year of life. Childhood nervous system tumors may be classified as either infratentorial (located below the tentorium cerebelli), meaning they are in the back third of the brain, or as supratentorial, meaning they are in the front two-thirds of the brain. Central nervous system tumors, including brain tumors, account for about 20% of all childhood cancers. Only leukemias are more common. The specific symptoms, treatment, and probable outcome vary according to the site and type of the tumor and the age and general health of the child. SPECIFIC TUMOR TYPES Cerebellar astrocytoma:
Medulloblastoma:
Symptoms The specific symptoms vary, but may include:
Signs and tests A doctor can often identify signs and symptoms that are specific to the location of the tumor. Some tumors may not show symptoms until they are very large and cause a rapid decline in the child's mental function. Other tumors have symptoms that develop slowly. Most brain tumors increase pressure within the skull and compress brain tissue because of their size and weight. The following tests may confirm the presence of a brain tumor and identify its location:
Treatment A primary brain tumor should have prompt treatment. Early treatment improves the chance of a good outcome for many tumors. The treatment approach varies with the size and type of the tumor and the general health of the child. The goals of treatment may be to cure the disorder, relieve symptoms, and improve brain function or the child's comfort. Surgery is necessary for most primary brain tumors. Some may be completely removed. Tumors that are deep or that infiltrate brain tissue may be debulked (reducing the tumor's size and mass) rather than removed. In cases where the tumor cannot be removed, surgery may still help reduce pressure and relieve symptoms. Radiation therapy may be advised for tumors that are sensitive to radiation. Anticancer medications (chemotherapy) may be recommended. Other medications may include the following:
Support Groups For additional information, see cancer resources. Complications
Calling your health care provider Call the child's health care provider if he or she develops any new, persistent headaches or other symptoms suggestive of a brain tumor. Call the provider or go to the emergency room if the child has seizures that are new, or suddenly develops stupor (reduced alertness), vision changes, or speech changes. Illustrations
Page Content: Glioblastoma multiforme - children; Ependymoma - children; Glioma - children; Astrocytoma - children; Medulloblastoma - children; Neuroglioma - children; Oligodendroglioma - children; Meningioma - children; Cancer - brain tumor (children) |
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