Childhood Brain Tumors

Children with brain tumors have symptoms and needs that differ considerably from their adult counterparts - they are not simply tiny versions of an adult. Their developing bodies and brains require special care. Throughout their treatment and years of follow‑up, their healthcare team will include specialists from a wide variety of disciplines such as pediatric neurology, pediatric neurosurgery, pediatric endocrinology, ophthalmology, psychology, child life, social work, nursing and other specialties.

The most common childhood brain tumors are different from the most common adult brain tumors in that: 

            ∙ their most frequent locations are different
            ∙ they often behave differently than similar tumors in adults
            ∙ they may be treated differently than those in adults
            ∙ they may have a better prognosis
 
Children who have brain tumors require special care because their bodies and brains are still developing. The young patient who receives state‑of‑the‑art treatment often has a better chance of survival and quality of life than their adult counterparts. We hope the discussion and suggestions here help you manage the unique challenges you face as the parent of a child with a brain tumor.

Click on the blue text for more detailed information. Scroll down the page to see the entire list of articles on this page.

Brain Stem Glioma.
When this file opens, scroll to "Glioma, Brain stem" for information about tumors found in this part of the brain.  

Cysts
This article addresses arachnoid, dermoid, epidermoid, and cysts within tumors. It includes answers to Frequently Asked Questions about cysts.

Ependymoma
Overviews the diagnosis and treatment of ependymoma in both children and adults

Low Grade Astrocytomas
Overviews the diagnosis and treatment of low grade astrocytoma in both children and adults

Medulloblastoma
Overviews the diagnosis and treatment of medulloblastoma and PNETs located in the cerebellum in both children and adults

Medulloblastoma - Moving Research into Treatment
A review article overviewing current research into the origins of this tumor as well as treatment options.

Other Types of Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors.
If your child's tumor is not listed above, this article lists over 100 different types of brain tumors. Tumor names appear in alphabetical order.

ABTA Kids
A section of our web site specifically for children. Built following Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) guidelines, the material explains brain tumors in language that children can understand. Bright visuals enhance the pages. Explore it with your child, and share the learning opportunity. 

Educating Children and Teenagers
Often, returning to school after a brain tumor diagnosis and treatment marks a return to routine and normalcy. Here are a few suggestions to help both parents and teachers ease that transition.

Resources for Adolescents and Young Adults
The normal life changes associated with this life stage can become more challenging when an illness is involved. Here are resources to help guide both parents and young adults through the impact of a brain tumor diagnosis, or survivorship, at this age.

Stay Updated
Between your visits to the ABTA web site, receive monthly updates of clinical trial results, new treatments in development, research study results, and news from the brain tumor community. Follow the link to sign up for these complimentary e-mail bulletins.

Care & Support
This wonderfully supportive area of the ABTA web site offers tips, techniques, and resources for families living with the diagnosis of a brain tumor.

May, 2009