The short answer
Brain and other central nervous system (CNS) tumors are the second most common group of cancers in children. They include many different types, and treatment may involve surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy depending on the tumor's type and location.
Brain and CNS tumors are the second most common childhood cancer group, after leukemias.
There are many different types, named for the cells they start in and where they grow.
Symptoms depend on the tumor's location and can include headaches, nausea, balance problems, or seizures.
Treatment may combine surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
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The full explanation.
The simple version
Brain and spinal cord tumors are growths in the central nervous system — the brain and spinal cord. In children they are the second most common group of cancers after leukemias. There are many different types, and treatment is tailored to the specific tumor.
Many different types
Childhood brain and CNS tumors are named for the cells they start in and where they grow. Common examples include gliomas, medulloblastomas, and ependymomas. Because these tumors behave differently, an exact diagnosis matters.
Symptoms
Signs depend on where the tumor is and can include:
- Headaches, often in the morning
- Nausea and vomiting
- Balance, coordination, or walking problems
- Vision or eye-movement changes
- Seizures or changes in behavior
How they are treated
Treatment depends on the type, size, and location of the tumor and the child's age. It may combine surgery to remove as much of the tumor as safely possible, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Because treatment can affect a growing brain, teams weigh benefits against possible long-term effects.
An exact diagnosis of the tumor type guides the whole treatment plan.
Words to know
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Common questions
▸How common are brain tumors in children?
Brain and other central nervous system (CNS) tumors are the second most common group of cancers in children, after leukemias.
▸Are there different kinds?
Yes. There are many types of childhood brain and spinal cord tumors, named for the cells they begin in and the part of the CNS where they grow. Examples include gliomas, medulloblastomas, and ependymomas.
▸What are the symptoms?
Symptoms depend on where the tumor is. They can include morning headaches, nausea or vomiting, balance or coordination problems, vision changes, or seizures.
▸How are they treated?
Treatment depends on the type and location and may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, sometimes in combination.
▸Who treats childhood brain tumors?
Care is led by pediatric specialists — such as pediatric neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists, and radiation oncologists — usually at a children's cancer center.
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