Childhood Brain Tumours

Children’s brain tumours may be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). Depending on where in the person’s brain the tumour first appeared, there are various forms. When a child’s brain is compress by a tumour, it can produce symptoms. Even though some tumours can be fatal, improvements in detection and treatment have increased survival rates for many.

How typical are children brain tumours?

Over 5,000 children are diagnose with paediatric brain tumours each year. Also, making them the most prevalent type of childhood cancer.

What kinds of children brain tumours are there?

Paediatric brain tumours come in a variety of forms. Additionally, they are categorised according to the type of brain cell that they develop. The principal categories are:

• Gliomas
• Tumours in the embryo
• Pineal tumours
• Craniopharyngiomas
• Tumours made of germ cells

What causes brain tumours?

When healthy cells proliferate and expand out of control, a neoplasm is created. Although scientists are unsure of the exact origin of uncontrollable cell growth, genetic changes within a cell have been suggested.

Genes that cause cancer are inherited.

Radiation exposure in the past (for a different type of cancer).

Some paediatric brain tumours are associated with cancer syndromes, which are a group of ailments that appear to be connected. Experts still don’t fully comprehend this connection.

Symptoms of a child’s brain tumour

A brain tumour signs and symptoms can vary greatly depending on the neoplasm’s kind, severity, rate of growth, and location. They may consist of:

• Excessive slumber
• Headaches in the morning that disappear when your child throws up
• The head size of your baby will grow
• Usually accompanied by headaches and without diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting
• Speech, hearing, or vision problems
• Balance problems
• Coordination issues
• Abrupt adjustments in behaviour
• Weakness in one of your child’s arms, legs, or bodies
• Seizures

How is a child’s brain tumour diagnosed?

Your child will have several examinations and test if a medical professional detects a brain tumour, which may include:

Physical examination: A medical professional will check the general health of your child. Your child’s symptoms, personal medical history, and family medical history will all be inquired about.

Exam for the nervous system: This examination comprise questions and tests to see how well your child’s brain is developing. It will put your reflexes, senses, balance, and mental stability to the test.

Imaging tests: Your child’s doctor may request procedures like an MRI, CT scan, or PET scan to acquire in-depth photographs of your child’s brain and/or spine. A drug may be injected into the subject’s bloodstream beforehand to aid in the detection of cancer cells during the scan.

Blood test: A serum marker test, also known as a tumour marker test, can examine molecules in your child’s body that are associate with cancer.

Biopsy: During a biopsy, a tissue sample is remove from the tumour so that researchers can examine the cells under a microscope.

Spinal tap: A medical professional performs a spinal tap (also known as a lumbar puncture) by inserting a specific needle into your child’s lower back. It gathers the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, analyses it, and looks for aberrant cells.

How are young children’s brain tumours treated?

Your child may require therapy if the brain tumour is malignant or result in unsettling symptoms. The type of tumour, its location, and how quickly it might spread all influence the course of treatment. Alternatives include:

• Surgery to drain pressure-causing fluid or to remove all or part of the tumour.
• Immunotherapy, targeted therapy, chemotherapy, or other drugs to eradicate the cancer cells.
• Radiation treatment.
• If the tumour affects your child’s speech, balance, or other abilities, rehabilitation may be necessary to help them function better.

Conclusion

It can be frightening to learn that your child has a brain tumour. You might be unsure about where to look for assistance and solutions. Numerous tools are at your disposal, including online and offline support groups. During this difficult time, speaking with other families who are experiencing the same thing might be helpful. Even though some tumour forms can be fatal, improvements in detection and therapy have helped many kids live.