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Childhood Brain Tumor...
Once a childhood brain tumor is detected, additional tests will be performed to determine the type of tumor. If a biopsy specimen is taken, the tumor cells will be examined carefully under a microscope to see how different they appear from normal cells. This will determine the grade of the tumor.
The grade of a tumor is
determined by microscopic examination of its cells to see how similar the
cells are to normal cells. Cells from higher-grade, more abnormal-looking
tumors usually grow faster and are more malignant than cells from lower-grade
tumors. Your child's doctor needs to know the type and grade of tumor in
order to plan treatment.
There is no staging for childhood brain tumors. Brain tumors are grouped according
to their location within the brain and the appearance and behaviour of the tumor
tissue. The following groupings are used for childhood brain tumors:
Infratentorial tumors are tumors that occur in the lower part of the brain.
Ependymal tumors are tumors that begin in the ependyma, the cells that line the
hollow cavities within the brain (called ventricles) which are filled with cerebrospinal
fluid). The growth of ependymal tumors can obstruct the flow of the cerebrospinal
fluid through the brain and spinal cord.
Infratentorial ependymomas begin in the lower part of the brain. These tumors
may spread via the cerebrospinal fluid to other areas of the brain and spinal
cord.
Brain stem glioma
Supratentorial tumors are those that occur in the upper part of the brain. Common
supratentorial tumors include:
Cerebral astrocytoma
Ependymal tumors are tumors that begin in the ependyma, the cells that line the
hollow cavities within the brain (called ventricles) which are filled with cerebrospinal
fluid. The growth of ependymal tumors can obstruct the flow of the cerebrospinal
fluid through the brain. Supratentorial ependymomas begin in the upper part of
the brain. These tumors may spread to other areas of the brain and spinal cord,
depending on their grade.
Craniopharyngiomas are tumors that generally occur just above the pituitary gland.
Located at the bottom of the brain, the pituitary gland is about the size of
a pea and controls many vital functions. Craniopharyngiomas do not spread, but
may interfere with important structures near them, causing serious problems.
Central nervous system germ cell tumor
Germ cell tumors arise from the sex cells found in the brain. There are different
types of germ cell tumors, including germinomas, embryonal cell carcinomas, choriocarcinomas,
and teratomas. These tumors usually occur in the center of the brain, and can
spread to other parts of the brain and spinal cord.
Supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumors and pineoblastoma
Spinal cord tumors are rare benign or cancerous tumors in the spinal cord (the
bundles of nerves that carry messages between the brain and the body). The diagnosis
of spinal cord tumors depends on how the tumor looks under a microscope and its
location. Spinal cord tumors compress the spinal cord and the surrounding nerves
causing symptoms such as pain or numbness in the back, arms, or legs, decreased
muscle strength, and in some cases, loss of bowel or bladder control. X-rays
of the brain and the entire spine are done at the time of diagnosis to determine
extent of disease.
Recurrent disease means that the cancer has come back (recurred) after it has
been treated. It may recur in its original location, in another part of the central
nervous system, or systemically (throughout the body).
NOTE: This web site is designed for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice. The information provided through this site should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your health care provider