Overview
A pediatric brain tumor is a mass or growth of abnormal cells that occur in a child's brain or the tissue and structures near it. These tumors are typically primary brain tumors, which means they start in the brain or in tissues close to it. They can be either noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). The type, location, spread, and the child's age and general health are factors that affect the treatment options and prognosis. It is important to consult with pediatric specialists in neurology and cancer for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
The symptoms of a pediatric brain tumor can vary greatly and depend on the tumor type, size, location, and rate of growth. Some common symptoms include frequent and severe headaches, feeling of increased pressure in the head, nausea or vomiting, vision problems, seizures, abnormal eye movement, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite, difficulty with balance, weakness or loss of sensation in an arm or a leg, weakness or drooping on one side of the face, confusion, and irritability. If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, it is important to consult with a doctor for further evaluation.
Development
The various pediatric brain tumors can develop due to mutations in the DNA of normal brain cells. These mutations allow the cells to grow and divide at an increased rate and continue living when healthy cells would die, resulting in abnormal cell growth and the formation of a tumor. Primary brain tumors start in the brain or tissues close to it, while secondary brain tumors, also known as metastatic brain tumors, occur when cancer spreads to the brain from other parts of the body. The different types of pediatric brain tumors can be either noncancerous or cancerous, with cancerous tumors potentially growing quickly and invading surrounding brain tissue.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
If your child has signs and symptoms that concern you (e.g., headaches, feeling of increased pressure in the head, unexplained nausea or vomiting, abrupt onset of vision problems, seizures, abnormal eye movement, slurred speech, trouble swallowing, loss of appetite, difficulty feeding, difficulty with balance, trouble walking, weakness or loss of sensation in an arm or a leg, weakness or drooping on one side of the face, confusion, irritability, memory problems, personality or behavior changes, hearing problems), you should make an appointment with your child's doctor. These symptoms could indicate a potential pediatric brain tumor, and it's important to consult with a medical professional to determine the underlying cause and appropriate course of action.
Diagnosis
To diagnose a pediatric brain tumor, a healthcare provider may recommend several tests and procedures. These may include:
- Neurological exam: This exam checks various aspects of your child's brain function, such as vision, hearing, balance, coordination, strength, and reflexes. Difficulty in specific areas may indicate the affected part of the brain.
- Imaging tests: Imaging tests help determine the location and size of the brain tumor. Common imaging tests include Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT), and Positron Emission Tomography (PET).
- Biopsy: A biopsy involves removing a tissue sample for laboratory analysis. It may be done during surgery to remove the brain tumor or through a stereotactic needle biopsy, in which a small hole is drilled into the skull, and a thin needle is used to remove tissue.
- Precision medicine diagnosis: Tumor tissue can be tested for genetic mutations and the molecular basis of the tumor to determine targeted drug therapy.
- Tests to determine cancer spread: If the brain tumor might be a result of cancer that has spread from another area of the body, the doctor may recommend tests and procedures to determine the cancer's origin.
Management and Treatment
Complications
Potential complications of pediatric brain tumors may include:
- Hydrocephalus: Fluid buildup in the brain can cause increased pressure and damage brain tissue. This may require placement of a shunt to drain excess fluid.
- Seizures: Brain tumors can cause or increase the risk of seizures. Anti-seizure medications may be prescribed to manage seizures.
- Cognitive and developmental problems: Depending on the tumor's location and treatment, children may experience difficulties with memory, attention, and other cognitive functions, as well as delays in developmental milestones.
- Emotional and behavioral changes: Treatment can cause emotional and behavioral changes, such as anxiety, depression, or difficulty with schoolwork. Supportive care and counseling can help address these issues.
- Physical disability: Depending on the tumor's location and treatment, children may experience weakness or loss of sensation in the arms or legs, or difficulty with balance or walking.
- Treatment side effects: Treatments like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy can cause additional complications, such as hair loss, nausea, and fatigue. Supportive care and pain management are important in addressing these side effects. It is crucial for children with brain tumors to receive care from a team of pediatric specialists in neurology and cancer, as their treatment and prognosis can be significantly different from those of adults.
Home Remedies
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for appropriate guidance and treatment options for a pediatric brain tumor.
Treatment
Treatment for pediatric brain tumors typically includes a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The specific treatment approach depends on the type, size, location, and whether the tumor has spread. It's crucial to consult with pediatric specialists in neurology and cancer for the best treatment plan. Surgery is often the first step to remove as much of the tumor as possible, followed by radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy to target remaining tumor cells. Novel treatments and technologies are continually being developed, offering new options for treatment at different stages of the disease.
Preparing for medical consultation
Consider these questions:
- What signs and symptoms should I note before my child's appointment for a brain tumor? Signs and symptoms, including any that seem unrelated to the reason for the appointment
- What key personal information should I provide before my child's appointment for a brain tumor? Key personal information, including any major stresses or recent changes in your child's life
- What questions should I ask the doctor during a pediatric brain tumor appointment? What type of brain tumor does my child have? Where is the brain tumor located? How large is it? How aggressive is the brain tumor? Is the brain tumor cancerous? Will my child need additional tests? What are the treatment options? What are the benefits and risks of each treatment? Can any treatments cure my child's brain tumor? Is there one treatment you feel is best? Should my child see additional specialists? What will that cost, and will my insurance cover it?
- What should I write down before my own appointment for a brain tumor? Signs and symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for the appointment Key medical information, including all conditions you have and the names of any prescription and over-the-counter medications you're taking Note any family history of brain or spinal tumors, especially in a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling