What is pediatric brain tumors?

6 February 2024

These are abnormal cell growths in the brain or adjacent tissues, which can be benign or cancerous.

The cause of childhood brain tumors is unknown, but spontaneous or hereditary genetic mutations are likely responsible for the formation of these tumors, as well as the presence of certain conditions or syndromes.

Childhood brain tumors represent the second most common group of cancer in children, mainly between 5 and 10 years old, who may be susceptible to spreading to other brain areas or the spinal cord.

There are various types of childhood brain tumors, medulloblastoma being the most common, but the following can also occur:

  • Choroid plexus carcinoma.
  • Craniopharyngiomas.
  • Ependymoma.
  • Gliomas
  • Pineoblastoma.
  • Embryonic tumors.

Signs and symptoms Pediatric brain tumors

The symptoms depend on the type of tumor, location, and severity, but usually include:

  • Seizures.
  • Lack of energy.
  • Half of the face weakened.
  • Lack of balance and coordination.
  • Irritability and mood swings.
  • Recurrent and intense headaches.
  • Nausea.
  • Lack of appetite.
  • Swallowing difficulties.
  • Pressure in the head.
  • Hearing alterations.
  • Double vision and other eye problems.
  • Vomit.

Diagnosis and treatment Pediatric brain tumors

Once the doctor analyzes the symptoms and clinical history, they will perform a physical examination of the child and request a series of tests to confirm the diagnosis, such as a neurological examination, MRI, CT scan, lumbar puncture, and tissue biopsy.

The treatment to be followed will depend on the type of tumor, age, location, grade, and extension. Surgery or one of the following therapeutic options may be performed to remove the tumor:

  • Radiation therapy.
  • Stereotactic radiosurgery.
  • Proton beam therapy.
  • Targeted therapy.
  • Chemotherapy.

At the Pediatric Center, we provide specialized care to children from birth to adulthood, through our pediatric care, oncology, neurology, and cardiology services at the level of the best medical centers in the world.

Related centers and departments Pediatric brain tumors

Pediatrics Center
Internal Medicine
High Specialty Surgery Center
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory
Cancer Center

Fuentes:

  • cancer.gov
  • cáncer.net
  • aeped.es
  • nicklauschildrens.org
  • tmcaz.com
  • kidshealth.org
  • mayoclinic.org
  • middlesexhealth.org
  • msdmanuals.com
  • medigraphic.com
  • Rodríguez RC, Orozco CA, Liu WYC. Consideraciones generales de la radioterápia en los tumores cerebrales pediátricos. Rev Med Cos Cen. 2014;71(609):165-171.
  • Sánchez-Sánchez LM, Vázquez-Moreno J, Heredia-Delgado JA, et al. Presentación clínica de tumores intracraneales supratentoriales (ST) e infratentoriales (IT) en pacientes pediátricos. Gac Med Mex. 2016;152(2):158-162.
  • Chico-Ponce LF, Castro-Sierra E, Perezpeña-Diazconti M, et al. Tumores intracraneanos del niño. Bol Med Hosp Infant Mex. 2006;63(6):367-381.

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