Introduction

• Brain tumor is the most common solid tumor in children.
• They originate from cells in the brain and can either be benign or malignant. However, their symptoms maybe similar because of their size and location in the brain
• Brain tumors can occur at any age and differ from adult brain tumors in terms of the type and response to treatment.
• Symptoms of brain tumors maybe cause by increased pressure due to obstruction to the flow of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain. When this occurs the child will experience headache, vomiting, irritability, drowsiness, seizures and even loss of consciousness.
• If the tumor occurs in the area called cerebellum which is concerned with balance, the child will have weakness and unsteady gait. 

 
Diagnose of Brain Tumor

• Physical examination and medical history- A careful physical examination can help to determine the possible site of the tumor. In addition, examination of the eyes will be done to look for evidence of increased intracranial pressure. The doctor will also enquire into the patient’s and families past medical history.
• There are several tests that may be required.
• These include radiological tests such as computed tomography scan (also called a CT or CAT scan). And Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These will give a detail image of the inside of the brain.
• Blood test for tumor markers may help to diagnose a type of tumor called germ-cell tumor
• The definitive diagnosis can be made by examination of the tumor tissue under the microscope. This tissue may be a biopsy sample or it maybe the whole tumor or a part of it removed by surgery.

Treatment of Brain Tumor

Surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy alone or in combination are used to treat brain tumors. Treatment will be planned taking into consideration the child’s age, size, position and type of brain tumor.

• Surgery- This is the first step of the treatment for brain tumor. The goal is to remove as much of the tumor as possible. If this is not possible, then a sample or biopsy is taken to determine the type of tumor.
• Sometimes it will necessary to insert a tube to drain the cerebrospinal fluid from the brain into the lining of the abdominal cavity. This is called a Ventriclo-Peritoneal (VP) shunt. It helps to reduce the pressure within the brain.
• Radiotherapy- If the tumor cannot be removed or if there are some tumors left behind, the children may be given radiotherapy which is a form of high energy rays that can destroy the malignant cells.
• Chemotherapy- The use of anti-cancer or cytotoxic drugs is now routine in the treatment of medulloblastoma. It is also employed in the treatment of young children /infants with some types of brain tumor to delay the use of radiotherapy.
• Steroids- Is used to reduce the swelling of the brain. They do not treat the tumor but by reducing the swelling can improve symptoms and help the child to feel better.
• Anticonvulsants are drugs that are used to treat or prevent seizure.

Updated:: [nuralifah] Updated:: 18/12/2013 [ctfarhanah]