1. Benign or Malignant
Brain tumors are abnormal tissue growths that are either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Most benign tumors are limited to a specific location in the brain, but malignant tumors often spread to surrounding brain tissue. There are two categories of brain tumors, primary and secondary. Primary tumors begin in the brain, while secondary tumors contain cells that began in another part of the body. The tumors in children are mainly primary. Genetic conditions and certain chemicals can increase the risk of brain tumors.
2. Can't Stand the Intracranial Pressure
Some symptoms are particular to the location of the brain tumor, which can form in the front, middle or back of the brain. Intracranial pressure is one symptom that may present no matter where the tumor forms. The fluid that surrounds the brain and the spinal cord is caught in the brain and can't be released. This buildup exerts pressure and damages brain cells. The intracranial pressure may result in headaches, depression, sleepiness, vomiting and irritability. Symptoms include changes in vision, personality and problems with respiratory and cardiac functions. Your child may experience seizures, depression, slurred speech and paralysis of one side of the body or face.
3. Undergo Testing
Multiple tests, a physical examination and a review of your child's medical history are used to diagnose brain tumors. A CAT scan of the body's bones, muscles and organs may uncover the tumor's origin. An MRI of the brain can take pictures of the tumor. The doctor tests your child's coordination, muscle strength, reflexes and facial movement. He can x-ray the spine or perform a spinal tap that tests the cerebral spinal fluid.
4. Discover the Type
Once the tumor is diagnosed, the type of tumor can be identified. The most common type is a glioma, which forms from the supportive tissue in the brain. Pineal region tumors are brain tumors near the pineal gland. This gland dictates sleep and wake cycles. Primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET) are generally located in the back of the brain near, but can be found elsewhere. They can spread to the spinal cord and other places in the brain. Most are malignant so they spread quickly. A benign tumor called craniopharyngioma forms at the bottom of the brain close to the hormone centers and the nerves from the brain to the eyes. There are subtypes of tumors included in these groups.
5. Tailor Made Treatment
Various factors determine the treatment doctors will recommend for brain tumors in children. They include the maturity, size and location of the tumor, your child's medical history and the type of tumor. Surgery is the preferred treatment, but not if removal will affect neurological function. Localized tumors are found in one place, while invasive tumors spread and make removing the entire tumor challenging. Medications, radiation therapy and chemotherapy round out the treatment.
