Download
1 / 1
10 likes | 18 Views
Brain tumors in children can be devastating. Learn about the five most common pediatric brain tumors and their causes with this guide!<br>Pediatric brain tumors <br>Brain tumors in children can be a devastating medical diagnosis. While rare, parents need to be aware of the five most common types of pediatric brain tumors and their associated signs and symptoms. This guide covers the causes, treatments, and prognoses associated with each type of tumor.<br>Medulloblastoma.<br>Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor. It develops in the part of the brain that controls muscle coordination, concentration, and memory called the cerebellum. Signs and symptoms can include headaches, nausea, vomiting, hearing loss, fatigue, seizures, vision changes, personality changes, and motor control impairment. Treatment typically includes surgery followed by radiation and chemotherapy. Prognosis varies widely depending on the extent of tumor growth but the overall survival rate is approximately 70%.<br>Medulloblastoma is an aggressive tumor that is more common in children than adults. At diagnosis, the tumor cells are highly migratory and prone to spread throughout the fluid-filled area of the brain called the ventricles. This means that even after the successful removal of the bulk of the tumor, residual cancer cells may remain which is why radiation and chemotherapy treatment is recommended in addition to surgery. Early diagnosis and treatment are key for providing a positive outcome for affected individuals.<br><br>Glioma (in Children).<br>Gliomas are a type of tumor that can arise from various components within the brain, most typically from the glial cells that provide structure and insulation for nerve cells within the brain. They occur less often than medulloblastomas in children, but symptoms may include worsening headaches, nausea, vomiting, personality changes, and memory impairment. Treatment is similar to medulloblastoma with surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The prognosis depends on where the tumor is located in the brain, but survival rates range from 50-90%.<br>Ependymoma and Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors (PNETs).<br>Ependymomas and PNETs are both types of brain tumors that occur in the same areas. They tend to affect children under the age of 8 and symptoms can include headaches, nausea, vomiting, seizures, and confusion. Treatment typically involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy for higher-grade tumors./ Survival rates vary depending on tumor location as well as the overall health of the patient.<br>Craniopharyngioma. <br>Craniopharyngiomas are cystic tumors located in the hypothalamus, an area of the brain that controls many essential functions like body temperature, hunger, and growth. These tumors typically occur in children between 5-10 years old. Symptoms include vision abnormalities or changes in behavior or appetite. Treatment typically involves surgical removal or radiation therapy when the tumor is inaccessible. The prognosis depends on the location and age of the patient but for the most part, these tumors have a good outlook.<br>Germ Cell Tumors.<br>Germ cell tumors occur in the brain's pineal gland, an area near the center of the brain. Most commonly found in younger patients between 10-14 years old, these tumors are often benign and treatable. Symptoms often include headaches, vomiting, or a lack of coordination. Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the tumor as well as chemotherapy. The prognosis depends on how much of the tumor was removed but is generally good with successful treatment.<br>Meningiomas are the most common type of brain tumor in adults but can occur in pediatric patients as well, usually after age<br>The most common type of pediatric brain tumor is germ cell tumor, accounting for 38% to 45% of all brain tumors in children. Theyu2019re typically found in the midline of the brain and can include germinomas, teratomas, and embryonal cell tumors. These tumors are often metastatic, which means they can spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms may include headaches, vomiting, seizures, and vision changes. Treatment is varied and depends on the type of tumor and whether or not it has spread outside its original location. Treatments can include surgery to remove the tumor as well as radiation therapy or chemotherapy treatments.<br><br>
E N D
