A brain tumor develops when the healthy, normal cells inside the brain begin to grow and function differently. These cells can begin to build up and form a mass called a tumor. 

Brain tumors can vary in degrees of aggressiveness: lower-grade (less aggressive) or higher-grade (very aggressive). Our pediatric neurosurgeon will analyze the grade of your child’s brain tumor to determine its rate of progression.

• Grades I and II are considered lower-grade tumors. These tend to grow more slowly and are less likely to affect nearby tissues. 
• Grades III and IV are higher-grade tumors, which tend to grow faster. These may spread into nearby tissues, and they often require a higher level of care and treatment. 

Some brain tumors are malignant, which means they are cancerous. Others are benign, or non-cancerous. The most common type of pediatric brain tumor occurs in the posterior fossa, which is the small space in the skull near the brainstem and cerebellum. Other common types of pediatric brain tumors grow in the cerebral hemispheres of the brain.

Some types of brain tumors in children include: 

• Choroid plexus papilloma/carcinoma: A rare brain tumor that forms near the brain tissue that produces cerebrospinal fluid (a fluid that supports your child’s brain). These tumors can be benign or malignant.
• Ependymoma tumors: These tumors can form on either the brain or the spinal cord. They occur mostly in young children, and they form in the ependymal cells that make cerebrospinal fluid. These tumors can be benign or malignant.
• Gliomas: These tumors occur in the brain and spinal cord. They are the most common types of brain tumors, and their severity varies depending on their location and rate of growth.
• Medulloblastoma: This is the most common malignant brain tumor in children. It sometimes spreads to other parts of the brain and spinal cord. These tumors typically grow from the cerebellum. That can cause a buildup of fluid, putting pressure on the brain (hydrocephalus).
• Meningeal tumors: These tumors grow in the meninges (membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord). They can compress nerves and vessels. Although they’re the most common type of tumor that grows in the head, they are rare in children.
• Neuronal and mixed neuronal-glial tumors: These are rare tumors in the brain and spinal cord. They’re usually benign and don’t spread to other parts of the body. But they can still create pressure, which can lead to seizures. In rare cases, they become aggressive and malignant.
• Pilocytic astrocytoma: This is a slow-growing tumor that can develop in children and teens. The tumor is usually not aggressive, but it often requires surgery.
• Germ cell tumors: These tumors begin in the embryonic (fetal) tissue, and they tend to grow around the pituitary gland or the pineal gland. Not all germ cell tumors require surgery.

For some children, the cause of a brain tumor is hereditary. However, for most children with brain tumors, the cause is unknown.

Brain tumor symptoms in children differ from those in adults. And children’s symptoms vary depending on the size, type and location of the tumor. Common pediatric brain tumor symptoms include:

• Increased head pressure
• Nausea or vomiting
• Severe or frequent headaches
• Sudden vision problems
• Developmental delays

More severe brain tumor symptoms in children may include: 

• Balance issues
• Fuller soft spot on the skull
• Loss of appetite or difficulty feeding
• Memory problems
• No feeling in arms or legs
• Personality changes
• Problems hearing
• Seizures
• Slurred speech
• Trouble swallowing
• Weak arms or legs

The specific symptoms your child has can help determine the location of their brain tumor. If they’re showing any symptoms of a brain tumor, our pediatric neurosurgery team is here to help with a fast, accurate diagnosis and customized treatment plan.

To properly diagnose a brain tumor, we’ll perform a few tests, which may include: 

• Physical exams: We’ll conduct a physical exam to evaluate your child’s condition.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRIs use powerful radio waves and magnets to create detailed, 3D images of the brain.
• Computerized tomography (CT or CAT) scans: CT scans use X-rays to get images of the brain. 
• Spinal taps: During a spinal tap, a doctor removes fluid from your child’s spinal canal to test for abnormalities.
• Bone scans: Bone scans are nuclear imaging tests that help us make a diagnosis.
• Biopsies: A biopsy involves removing tissue to help doctors diagnose brain tumors and determine the stage of the disease.

We’ll keep testing as gentle and low-key as we can to help you and your little one through every step of the process.