Pediatric Brain Tumors
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Pediatric brain tumors are abnormal growths that arise in the brain during childhood. Several treatment options are available, including close observation, surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Although brain tumors are rare overall, they are the most common solid tumor among children. What’s important to remember is that children are not simply miniature adults. Brain tumors in children behave differently than brain tumors in adults. What’s more, children require treatment that is tailored not just to their tumor type, but also to their age and development. At the Pediatric Neurosurgery Center, we are committed to meeting the special needs of young patients and their families.
Pediatric brain tumors can be either benign or malignant. Malignant, or cancerous, tumors tend to be fast-growing and aggressive, invading surrounding brain tissue. Benign tumors are not cancerous; they do not spread and they tend to be slow-growing. Even slow-growing benign brain tumors can eventually become problematic, though. Because the skull is a rigid structure with little unoccupied space inside, benign masses can cause problems as they compress brain tissue, nerves, blood vessels and other critical structures.
Depending on a tumor’s origin, it can also be classified as either primary or secondary. A primary tumor originates in the brain. A secondary tumor originates elsewhere in the body and spreads to the brain. (Only malignant tumors can spread and form secondary tumors.)
The most common pediatric brain tumors are:
Although not common among children, other brain tumors that can occur include oligodendroglioma, orbital tumor, pituitary tumor, ganglioglioma, and meningioma. Despite being rare among children generally, meningioma is common among those children who have the genetic condition neurofibromatosis type 2.
Symptoms
There are many symptoms that may lead to a search for a brain tumor. It is important to understand that many of these symptoms can mimic other far more common and benign conditions, such as seizures, headache disorders, infections, and many others.
Symptoms vary by tumor type, size and location and may include:
- Poor coordination
- Headache in the morning upon waking
- Nausea and vomiting
- Lethargy
- Changes in behavior or personality
- Vision disturbances
- Seizures
- Macrocephaly
Diagnosis
In addition to a physical examination and complete medical history, a neurological examination is typically performed to establish symptoms and identify any possible problems. This exam consists of assessing eye movements, sensation, hearing, sense of smell, motor function, swallowing, balanc, and coordination.
Imaging studies are the key component of diagnosing brain tumors among children. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or a computed tomography (CT) scan may be used and conducted with or without contrast enhancement. Imaging studies can have certain risks, particularly among growing children. Our experienced pediatric neurosurgeons recommend the study that’s best for your child. The study is performed in a Pediatric Neurosurgery Center with technology made for children and their unique needs.
Depending on the suspected diagnosis, additional procedures may be conducted that include:
Risk Factors
The cause of brain tumors among children is unclear. Most arise spontaneously.
Some brain tumors are associated with genetic conditions, so they can be inherited. Genetic conditions that increase a child’s risk for a brain tumor include neurofibromatosis type 1, neurofibromatosis type 2, Turcot syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis.
Pediatric brain tumors can develop at any age, from infancy to young adulthood.
Treatments
At Columbia, our pediatric neurosurgeons use the most sophisticated surgical techniques to successfully treat brain tumors among children, providing the best possible results. A child’s age, tumor type, tumor location and several other factors are considered when our pediatric neurosurgeons sit down with you and your child to make a treatment plan.
For some children, observation may be the first step. This consists of closely monitoring the tumor’s growth by performing periodic imaging tests.
Treatment typically consists of a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
