Brain Tumours in Children
- Kisha Patel
- May 23, 2023
- 3 min read
One of the most devastating types of cancer within the pediatric population are brain cancers. These cancers involve the excessive growth and multiplication of abnormal cells within the brain or nearby tissues or structures of a child, otherwise known as a brain tumor. Like all other tumors they can be either benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). However, while many people group all types of brain tumours as one disease, brain cancer, that is not in fact true. There are many different types of brain tumors within the pediatric population, and therefore many different types of brain cancers (which will be discussed later in the article).
In the vast majority of instances, the origin of a pediatric brain tumor is unknown. Pediatric brain tumors are usually primary brain tumors, meaning they begin in the brain or nearby tissues. Normal cells with mutations in their DNA form primary brain tumors. These mutations cause cells to proliferate and develop at a faster pace, allowing them to live when healthy cells would perish. As a result, a tumor is formed from a mass of aberrant cells.
The signs and symptoms of a brain tumor in a kid vary widely depending on the kind, size, location, and pace of growth of the tumor. Because certain signs and symptoms are similar to those of other disorders, they may be difficult to spot. A few common symptoms include frequent and increasingly severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, sudden vision problems, and a phantom feeling of pressure on the head. More specific symptoms depend on what type of tumor the patient has (the location of the tumor).
Choroid Plexus Carcinoma
One type of a brain tumor cancer that primarily occurs in children is choroid plexus carcinoma. These tumors are both rare and malignant, cancerous, typically occurring in children under the age of two. A choroid plexus carcinoma originates near the cerebrospinal fluid-secreting brain tissue. The typical treatments for this cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and/or clinical trials
To diagnose this condition, the child goes through a few tests/procedures which include a physical exam, brain imaging tests and genetic tests. A medical history review and a neurological exam are commonly used as the first step to diagnose choroid plexus cancer. The child's “vision, hearing, balance, coordination, and reflexes” (Mayo Clinic, 2021) will all be assessed during this examination (physical examination). During the brain tests portion, the child may have a MRI/CT scan done to assist the doctor in the planning of the surgery. Finally, genetic tests may occur to discover if there is a genetic aspect to the development of this tumor.
A choroid plexus papilloma is a noncancerous growth of the region near the cerebrospinal fluid-secreting brain tissue. As the tumor develops, it may disrupt the function of surrounding brain regions, resulting in hydrocephalus (extra fluid in the brain), irritability, nausea or vomiting, and headaches.
Craniopharyngioma:
Another type of brain tumour is known as craniopharyngioma (a noncancerous tumor). Craniopharyngioma originates near the pituitary gland in the brain. A craniopharyngioma can disrupt the function of the pituitary gland and other brain structures as it develops slowly. While this type of tumor can occur in all ages, it is most often diagnosed in children and the geriatric population. Progressive visual abnormalities, weariness, frequent urination, and headaches are among the symptoms of this condition. Craniopharyngioma can also cause children to grow slowly and be smaller than predicted.
To diagnose this condition, the child goes through a few tests/procedures which include a physical exam, brain imaging tests and blood tests. A medical history review and a neurological exam are commonly used as the first step to diagnose choroid plexus cancer. The child's “vision, hearing, balance, coordination, and reflexes” (Mayo Clinic, 2021) will all be assessed during this examination (physical examination). During the imaging tests portion, the child may have a X-Ray, MRI or CT scan done. Finally, blood tests are done to observe changes in hormone levels, indicating that the pituitary gland is being affected by a tumor.
Some treatment options for this condition include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, treatment for papillary craniopharyngioma and clinical trials.
Ependymoma:
Cancerous (malignant) tumors that begin in fetal (embryonic) cells in the brain are known as embryonic tumors of the central nervous system. Embryonal tumors can develop at any age, although they are more common in newborns and small children. Some types of ependymoma include medulloblastomas, embryonal tumors with multilayered rosettes (ETMRs), medulloepithelioma, or atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors.
These types of tumors are diagnosed with the assistance a few exams and tests which include a neurological exam to help locate the affected area of the brain, imaging tests to locate and determine the size of the tumor, a biopsy if the imaging tests reveal abnormalities, or a lumbar puncture to look for tumor cells and any other irregularities.
Some options to treat these types of tumors include surgery to relieve fluid buildup in the brain, surgery to remove tumor, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or clinical trials.
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