Other than leukemia and lymphoma, brain tumors are one of the most common types of cancer found in children. Brain cancers in children may cause symptoms including vision loss, movement problems, headaches, nausea and vomiting. Treatments for pediatric brain cancers include surgical removal, radiation and chemotherapy depending on the stage and location of the tumor.
Identification
The diagnosis of pediatric brain cancer is made by evaluating symptoms along with images of the brain from computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that show where the cancer is located.
Surgery
Pediatric brain tumors such as cerebellar astrocytoma are removed by surgery unless a doctor determines the tumor is inoperable.
External radiation
External radiation uses sources of radiation such as X-rays directed at the brain to kill tumor cells.
Brachytherapy
Brachytherapy is the use of internal radiation, which is implanted in small seeds or wires inside the brain to kill cancerous cells.
Systemic Chemotherapy
Systemic chemotherapy travels throughout the body to kill fast-growing cells, including cancerous cells, and is taken by mouth or injected into the veins.
Regional Chemotherapy
Regional chemotherapy is placed specifically in the location near the tumor, such as in the spinal column or the base of the skull, and kills cancer cells near where it is implanted.
Combination Therapies
Combinations of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy may be needed to treat some pediatric brain cancers, especially those that have metastasized, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
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