Overview
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of pediatric brain tumors begins with questions about your child’s symptoms and a physical exam. The exam helps the healthcare team determine which tests may be necessary.
Tests and procedures used to diagnose pediatric brain tumors include:
• Neurological exam, to assess vision, hearing, balance, coordination, strength, and reflexes. Abnormal results can indicate which part of the brain may be affected.
• Imaging tests, to create detailed pictures of the brain and locate the tumor. Common imaging tests include MRI, functional MRI, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, CT scans, and PET scans.
• Biopsy, to collect a tissue sample for lab testing. This is often done during surgery, or via a stereotactic needle biopsy if surgery is not possible. Lab tests determine whether the cells are cancerous and may include DNA analysis.
• Lumbar puncture, to collect cerebrospinal fluid from around the spinal cord. This test is used if there is a risk that the cancer has spread to the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
These tests provide crucial information to guide treatment planning.
Treatment
Treatment for pediatric brain tumors depends on tumor type, size, location, and the child’s age and overall health. Options may include surgery, radiation therapy, radiosurgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.
Surgery
The goal of surgery is to remove as much of the tumor as safely possible. Risks include infection, bleeding, and potential effects on brain functions depending on the tumor location.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy uses energy beams to kill tumor cells. Types include:
• X-ray (photon) radiation, the most common form
• Proton radiation, which targets tumor cells more precisely and may spare healthy tissue
Side effects can include fatigue, scalp irritation, temporary hair loss, headaches, nausea, and vomiting.
Radiosurgery
Radiosurgery delivers precise, high-dose radiation in a single treatment. Types include:
• Linear accelerator (LINAC) radiosurgery, using X-ray beams
• Gamma Knife radiosurgery, using gamma rays
• Proton radiosurgery, using proton beams
Side effects may include fatigue, skin changes, and sometimes permanent hair loss.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses medicines to kill tumor cells. It can be administered orally, intravenously, or directly into brain tissue during surgery. Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, and temporary hair loss.
Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy attacks specific chemicals in tumor cells, causing them to die. Tests may be done to determine if targeted therapy is suitable for your child.
Clinical trials
Clinical trials offer access to new treatments. Risks and side effects may not be fully known. Ask your child’s healthcare team about eligibility.
Palliative care
Palliative care helps relieve pain and other symptoms while improving quality of life. It can be provided alongside active treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Recovering after treatment
Supportive services may be needed to help your child regain lost functions, including:
• Physical therapy for motor skills and muscle strength
• Occupational therapy to return to daily activities
• Speech therapy for language difficulties
• Tutoring to assist with memory and cognitive changes after treatment
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