Pediatric Brain Tumors
A pediatric brain tumor diagnosis can be overwhelming, but many childhood brain tumors are highly treatable. Early evaluation by a fellowship-trained pediatric neurosurgeon helps determine exactly what type of tumor is present and the most appropriate treatment for your child.
Quick Answer
Pediatric brain tumors are abnormal growths that develop in a child’s brain or central nervous system and may be benign or cancerous. Symptoms vary depending on the tumor’s location and may include headaches, vomiting, seizures, balance problems, vision changes, or developmental changes. Treatment is individualized and may include observation, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted medications, or a combination of therapies.
Key Takeaways
- Pediatric brain tumors may be benign or cancerous and require specialized evaluation.
- Symptoms vary depending on the tumor's location, size, and growth rate.
- MRI is the primary imaging test used to diagnose pediatric brain tumors.
- Treatment is individualized and may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted medications, or observation.
- Children benefit from care provided by a multidisciplinary team with expertise in pediatric brain tumors.
Pediatric Brain Tumors at a Glance
| Condition | Abnormal growths that develop in a child's brain or central nervous system. They may be benign or cancerous. |
|---|---|
| Who it affects | Infants, children, and teens |
| Common symptoms | Headaches, nausea or vomiting, seizures, balance problems, vision changes, weakness, or developmental or behavioral changes |
| Diagnosis | Neurological examination, MRI, and sometimes additional imaging or biopsy |
| Treatment | Observation, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of treatments |
| Long-term outlook | Outcomes vary by tumor type, but many children do well with timely diagnosis, individualized treatment, and ongoing follow-up |
Understanding Pediatric Brain Tumors
What Are Pediatric Brain Tumors?
Pediatric brain tumors are abnormal growths that develop within a child’s brain or central nervous system. They are the most common solid tumors in children and vary widely in how they behave. Some tumors are benign (noncancerous) and grow slowly, while others are malignant (cancerous) and require prompt treatment.
Brain tumors are classified by the type of cells they arise from, where they develop, and how quickly they grow. Common pediatric brain tumors include pilocytic astrocytomas, medulloblastomas, ependymomas, diffuse midline gliomas, craniopharyngiomas, and other less common tumors.
Every child’s tumor is unique. Determining the exact diagnosis helps guide treatment recommendations and allows your child’s care team to develop an individualized treatment plan.
Common Types of Pediatric Brain Tumors
Brain tumors are classified by where they arise, how quickly they grow, and how the cells appear under a microscope. These differences determine treatment and expected outcomes.
Pilocytic Astrocytoma
A typically slow-growing tumor that is often treated with surgery.
Medulloblastoma
A malignant tumor of the cerebellum that typically requires multiple forms of treatment.
Ependymoma
A tumor arising from cells lining the brain’s fluid-filled spaces or spinal cord.
Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG)
An aggressive glioma that develops in midline structures of the brain.
Craniopharyngioma
A typically benign tumor near the pituitary that can affect vision, hormones, and growth.
Other Gliomas & Rare Tumors
Less common tumors that require individualized evaluation and treatment.
Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms of a pediatric brain tumor can vary depending on the tumor’s location, size, and how quickly it is growing. Many symptoms can also have other, more common causes, but persistent or worsening changes should be evaluated.
Common Symptoms
- Persistent or worsening headaches
- Morning headaches or repeated vomiting
- Seizures
- Balance or walking difficulties
- Vision changes or double vision
- Behavioral, learning, or developmental changes
When to Seek Evaluation
- Symptoms that persist or become progressively worse
- A first-time seizure or unexplained neurological symptoms
- Persistent headaches with morning vomiting
- Changes in balance, coordination, or walking
- Vision changes, weakness, or increasing sleepiness
- Increasing sleepiness, confusion, or other significant neurological changes
Diagnosis and Evaluation
How Are Pediatric Brain Tumors Diagnosed?
Diagnosing a pediatric brain tumor begins with a thorough medical history and neurological examination. Your child’s physician will review symptoms, assess neurological function, and look for signs that may indicate a problem involving the brain or nervous system.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is the primary imaging test used to evaluate suspected brain tumors because it provides detailed images of the brain without exposing children to radiation. In some cases, MRI of the spine or additional imaging studies may also be recommended.
What to Expect During the Evaluation
If imaging suggests a brain tumor, your child may be referred to a multidisciplinary team that includes pediatric neurosurgeons, pediatric neurologists, neuro-oncologists, neuroradiologists, and other specialists. Additional testing may be recommended depending on the suspected tumor type and location.
Neurological Evaluation
Symptoms, neurological function, and overall health are reviewed to identify signs involving the brain or nervous system.
MRI Imaging
MRI of the brain—and, when appropriate, the spine—provides detailed images to evaluate the suspected tumor.
Advanced MRI Techniques
Additional MRI techniques may be used to better characterize the tumor and help guide treatment planning.
Blood & Endocrine Testing
Blood work or hormone testing may be recommended for tumors that could affect endocrine function.
Vision Testing
Vision testing may be recommended for tumors located near the optic nerves or pituitary gland.
Pediatric Specialist Consultation
Additional pediatric specialists may be involved depending on the tumor’s location, type, and your child’s needs.
Confirming the Diagnosis
Although MRI can provide important information about a tumor, the exact diagnosis often requires examination of tumor tissue. When appropriate, surgery or a biopsy is performed to determine the tumor type, grade, and molecular characteristics.
These findings help guide treatment recommendations and allow your child’s care team to develop an individualized treatment plan based on your child’s specific diagnosis.
Personalized Treatment for Every Child
Treatment for a pediatric brain tumor depends on many factors, including the tumor type, location, size, growth rate, genetic characteristics, and your child’s age and overall health. Because no two tumors are exactly alike, every treatment plan is personalized to meet your child’s unique needs.
The goal of treatment is to remove or control the tumor while preserving as much normal brain function as possible. Your child’s care team will carefully weigh the benefits and risks of each option to recommend the safest and most effective approach.
Treatment may include one or more of the following:
Tumor Removal
Microsurgical removal may be used to remove as much of the tumor as safely possible while protecting critical brain structures.
Endoscopic surgery may provide a minimally invasive approach for selected tumors, including some located within the ventricular system.
Additional Cancer Treatment
Chemotherapy may be used depending on the tumor type, age of the child, and other clinical factors.
Radiation therapy may be recommended for selected tumors, with treatment planned carefully to limit exposure to healthy developing tissue.
Targeted & Precision Therapies
Molecular testing may identify specific tumor characteristics that can help guide targeted or precision therapies for selected pediatric brain tumors.
Monitoring & Supportive Care
Observation with regular imaging may be appropriate for selected slow-growing tumors that are not causing significant symptoms.
Rehabilitation and supportive care may help address changes in movement, speech, learning, development, or other functions during and after treatment.
Multidisciplinary Pediatric Brain Tumor Care
Children with brain tumors often benefit from care provided by a multidisciplinary team that includes pediatric neurosurgeons, pediatric neurologists, neuro-oncologists, neuroradiologists, radiation oncologists, endocrinologists, rehabilitation specialists, and other pediatric specialists.
By working together, these experts develop a coordinated treatment plan that addresses not only the tumor itself but also your child’s neurological development, recovery, and long-term quality of life.
The Diagnosis-to-Treatment Pathway
1. Evaluation
Symptoms, neurological findings, and imaging are reviewed by the pediatric care team.
2. Diagnosis
MRI and other testing help define the tumor’s location, size, and characteristics.
3. Additional testing
Pathology, molecular testing, vision, endocrine, or other evaluations may be used when appropriate.
4. Personalized treatment planning
The multidisciplinary team considers the tumor type, location, age of the child, symptoms, and long-term development when recommending treatment.
5. Treatment
Care may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, observation, or a combination of approaches.
6. Long-term follow-up
Ongoing imaging, rehabilitation, and developmental or supportive care help monitor recovery and long-term health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Symptoms vary depending on the tumor’s size and location but may include persistent headaches, nausea or vomiting, seizures, balance problems, vision changes, weakness, behavioral changes, or developmental delays. Some children have only subtle symptoms at first.
No. Many pediatric brain tumors are benign (noncancerous) and grow slowly, while others are malignant (cancerous). The type of tumor helps determine the most appropriate treatment and outlook.
Diagnosis typically begins with a neurological examination and an MRI of the brain. Additional imaging, laboratory tests, or a biopsy may be recommended to determine the exact tumor type and guide treatment.
Not every child requires surgery. Treatment depends on the tumor’s type, location, size, and symptoms. Some tumors are monitored with regular imaging, while others are treated with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of treatments.
The exact cause of most pediatric brain tumors is unknown. Most occur sporadically and are not related to anything a parent or child did. In rare cases, brain tumors are associated with inherited genetic conditions.
Children with brain tumors are often cared for by a multidisciplinary team that may include a pediatric neurosurgeon, pediatric neurologist, neuro-oncologist, neuroradiologist, radiation oncologist, endocrinologist, rehabilitation specialists, and other pediatric healthcare professionals.
The outlook varies depending on the tumor type, location, grade, and response to treatment. Many children achieve excellent outcomes, while others require ongoing treatment or long-term follow-up. Your child’s care team can provide guidance based on the specific diagnosis.
Your child should be evaluated by a pediatric neurosurgeon if imaging suggests a brain tumor or if they have persistent or worsening neurological symptoms, such as recurring headaches, seizures, balance problems, weakness, or unexplained changes in vision, behavior, or development. Early evaluation helps ensure timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Pediatric Brain Tumor Specialist at Atlantic Brain and Spine
Kate T. Carroll, MD, is a fellowship-trained pediatric neurosurgeon with specialized expertise in pediatric brain tumors and complex pediatric brain surgery.
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