Table of Contents
- Overview
- Symptoms
- Treatment
- Prevention
- Images
Glioblastoma multiforme - children; Ependymoma - children; Glioma - children; Astrocytoma - children; Medulloblastoma - children; Neuroglioma - children; Oligodendroglioma - children; Meningioma - children; Cancer - brain tumor (children)
Treatment
Early treatment often improves the chance of a good outcome. Treatment depends on the size and type of tumor and the child's general health.
The following are treatments for specific types of tumors:
- Astrocytoma -- The main treatment is surgery to remove the tumor.
- Brainstem gliomas -- 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.
- Ependymomas -- Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
- Medulloblastomas -- Surgery alone does not cure this type of cancer. Chemotherapy and radiation are often used in combination with surgery.
The goals of treatment may be to cure the tumor, relieve symptoms, and improve brain function or the child's comfort.
Surgery is needed for most primary brain tumors. Some tumors may be completely removed. Those that are deep inside the brain or that enter brain tissue may be debulked instead of entirely removed. Debulking is a procedure to reduce the tumor's size.
In cases where the tumor cannot be removed, surgery may help reduce pressure and relieve symptoms.
Radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be used for certain tumors.
Other medications used to treat primary brain tumors in children include:
- Corticosteroids such as dexamethasone to reduce brain swelling
- Diuretics such as urea or mannitol to reduce brain swelling and pressure
- Anticonvulsants such as phenytoin or levetiracetam to reduce or prevent seizures
- Pain medications
Comfort measures, safety measures, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other such steps may be required to improve quality of life. Counseling, support groups, and similar measures may be needed to help the family cope with the disorder.
Support Groups
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Review Date: 12/28/2010
Reviewed By: Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program,
Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD,
MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
