Cancer and Healthy

The cause of primary brain tumors is unknown. Primary brain tumors may be:

• Located in only a small area
• Invasive (spread to nearby areas)
• Benign (not cancerous)
• Malignant (cancerous)

Brain tumors are classified depending on the exact site of the tumor, the type of tissue involved, and whether or not it is cancerous. Brain tumors can directly destroy brain cells. They may also indirectly damage cells by pushing on other parts of the brain. This leads to swelling and increased pressure within the skull.

Tumors may occur at any age, but many specific tumors are more common at a specific age. However, most brain tumors are rare in the first year of life. Some of the most common childhood brain tumors include:

• Astrocytomas
• Brain stem gliomas
• Ependymomas
• Medulloblastomas

SPECIFIC TUMOR TYPES

Astrocytomas are usually non-cancerous, slow-growing cysts. They most commonly develop in children ages 5 - 8. The main treatment is surgery to remove the tumor.

Brainstem gliomas occur almost exclusively in children. The average age of development is about 6 years old. The tumor may grow very large before triggering symptoms. Surgery is usually not possible because of the tumor's location in the brain. Radiation and chemotherapy are used to shrink the tumor and prolong life. The 5-year survival rate is low.

Ependymomas make up about 8 - 10% of pediatric brain tumors. The tumors are located in tiny passageways (ventricles) in the brain, and block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

Medulloblastomas are the most common type of childhood brain cancer. They occur more often in boys than girls, usually around age 5. Most medulloblastomas occur before the age of 10. Surgery alone does not cure this type of cancer. Chemotherapy and radiation are often used in combination with surgery.