Pediatric brain tumors start as cell growths in or around the brain in kids. They lead to various signs like headaches, feelings of sickness, and difficulties with balance. It’s key to know there’s a broad range of these tumors. Some are fast-growing and cancerous, while others are slow and not cancerous.
The clear cause of these tumors is usually a mystery. Yet, they form when brain cells’ DNA experiences changes. Some things that might up the risk include being young, coming into contact with radiation, having a weak immune system, and specific genetic issues.
Diagnosing these tumors involves using imaging tools like MRI scans. These tests pinpoint the tumor’s location and its nature, which is needed for a suitable treatment plan. Operations, radiation, chemo, and advanced stem cell therapies are all in the toolbox for treating pediatric brain tumors.
- Pediatric brain tumors are growths of cells in or near the brain that affect children.
- They can cause symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and balance problems.
- There are different types of pediatric brain tumors, some of which are cancerous and others are noncancerous.
- The exact cause of pediatric brain tumors is often unknown, but changes in the DNA of brain cells play a role in their development.
- Factors such as younger age, exposure to radiation, a weakened immune system, and certain genetic syndromes can increase the risk of developing pediatric brain tumors.
- Diagnosis usually involves imaging tests, such as MRI scans.
- Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and stem cell therapy.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Pediatric Brain Tumors
Signs of pediatric brain tumors change based on where they are and how big they are. Kids might have headaches, seizures, and feel sick. They could also be more tired, angry, or forgetful. Babies with these tumors might have big heads.
Tumors can make the head feel full, like there’s too much pressure inside. This can be very dangerous. Often, these pressures need quick care to prevent coma or death.
Doctors check children with severe headaches or other strange symptoms. They do detailed exams and brain scans like MRIs. These tests show if there’s a tumor and where it is in the brain.
More tests might be done to find out exactly what kind of tumor it is. Doctors look at pieces of the tumor and the fluid around the brain. This tells them how severe the tumor is and helps plan the right treatment.
Knowing what type of tumor a child has is key. Different tumors need different treatments. The grade of the tumor shows how fast it might grow and how serious it is.
Some tumors are not very fast-growing (low-grade) and kids may do well with treatment. Other tumors grow faster and need strong treatment plans.
Common Symptoms of Pediatric Brain Tumors:
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Nausea and vomiting
- Irritability
- Lethargy
- Personality and mental activity changes
- Macroencephaly in infants
If there’s a chance a child has a brain tumor, the doctor will start with a full checkup. They’ll ask about the child’s health history and do a careful exam. They’ll check how the nerves and brain work to look for signs of a tumor.
Treatment Options for Pediatric Brain Tumors
Treating pediatric brain tumors often involves using several methods together. Surgery aims to cut out the tumor as much as it can safely. It also helps lower intracranial pressure. After surgery, the child needs careful follow-up care. This care may include therapies to help the child recover and check their brain functions.
Aside from surgery, there are other ways to treat these tumors in kids. Radiation therapy sends high-energy beams to the tumor. Chemotherapy uses drugs to fight the cancer cells. These methods help stop tumor growth and increase the child’s chances of getting better.
There’s also an exciting area called stem cell therapy. Scientists are studying how to use stem cells to help treat brain tumors in children. They hope this kind of therapy will improve the children’s health outcomes.
The right treatment plan for a child’s brain tumor depends on many factors. This includes where the tumor is, what type it is, and how severe it is. The child’s general health is also key. The child should visit their healthcare team regularly to track their recovery and prevent the tumor from coming back.