Atypical Teratoid Rhaboid Tumor (ATRT)

ATRTs are rare, high-grade tumors that occur most often in children age 3 and younger. They tend to be fast-growing and frequently spread through the central nervous system.

Location

About half of ATRTs are found in the cerebellum or brain stem. However, they may appear anywhere in the brain or spinal cord.

Description

An ATRT can appear as a large, bulky mass.

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the age of the patient, as well as the size and location of the tumor. They may include: morning headache or headache that goes away after vomiting, nausea and vomiting, unusual sleepiness or change in activity level, loss of balance, lack of coordination, or trouble walking, and increased head size (in infants).1

Incidence

ATRTs are rare. They typically occur in children age 3 and younger.

Cause

Like many tumor types, the exact cause of ATRT is not known.

Treatment

Treatment generally involves surgery to remove the tumor followed by chemotherapy. Radiation may be considered depending on the age of the patient and whether the tumor has recurred.

Learn more about different options to treat brain tumors on our Treatment page.

New approaches to treatment are currently in development. These new therapies are offered in organized research studies called clinical trials. Click here to access Trial Connect®, the ABTA's clinical trial matching service.