What Are Pediatric Brain & Central Nervous System Cancers?
The brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system (CNS). The spinal cord is responsible for transporting signals between the brain and the rest of the body. Tumors within this system can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous); however, because of the location, either of these could be dangerous. The cause of most central nervous system tumors in children is unknown. Some types of CNS tumors can be hereditary. Symptoms depend on where the tumor is located within the CNS.
Symptoms can include:
- Headache
- Persistent nausea and vomiting
- Weakness
- Vision problems
- Developmental delay
- Pain
- Irritability or changes in personality
- Seizures
Diagnostic imaging can include MRI, CT, biopsy of the tumor, or biomarker testing of the tumor (lab tests to evaluate genes, specific proteins, etc).
How Are Pediatric Brain & Central Nervous System Cancers Treated?
Treatment in children is more difficult than in adults as a child’s brain has not yet fully developed. There are multiple types of CNS tumors that are each further divided into grades from 1-4. The potential for the tumor to be aggressive and invade other structures helps to determine the grade. The lower the grade, the better the prognosis (likely course of the disease). Treatment of these tumors in children involves multiple different types of doctors which can include a neurosurgeon, pediatric oncologist, neurologist, neuroradiologist, and/or neuropathologist (a doctor who specializes in diagnosing diseases).
Treatment depends on the type of tumor, the grade, side effects of treatment, and the child’s age and health. These options can include radiation, chemotherapy, and/or surgery. These can be individual treatments or used together. Chemotherapy works by administering anti-cancer drugs composed of potent chemicals that damage and kill tumor cells. Radiation uses high-energy x-rays targeted at the tumor. Radiation can be used to kill the tumor or make it smaller. This option is helpful if the tumor is too big to surgically remove. When able, the best option is to remove the tumor completely by undergoing surgery. The goal of removing the tumor (using a craniotomy) is to remove the cancerous cells while leaving as much of the surrounding tissue untouched. Therapy may be suggested for the patient and family to help cope.