top of page

Brain Tumors

What Kinds of Brain Tumors are There?

Brain tumors, also known as intracranial tumors, manifest in over 150 different forms, although many remain exceedingly rare. Within this spectrum, some are classified as benign, signifying their noncancerous nature, while others fall into the category of malignancy.  Below are common brain tumors in children include:

  1. Astrocytomas: These tumors arise from astrocytes, a type of glial cell in the brain. They can vary in grade from low-grade to high-grade (anaplastic astrocytoma or glioblastoma). Low-grade astrocytomas are more common in children.

  2. Brainstem Gliomas: These tumors develop in the brainstem, which controls vital functions like breathing and heart rate.

  3. Chordoma and Chondrosarcoma: Rare tumors that originate from bone or cartilage and can affect the clivus or other skull base regions.

  4. Craniopharyngiomas: These tumors develop near the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, affecting hormone regulation and other functions.

  5. Ependymomas: These tumors develop from the cells lining the ventricles and central canal of the spinal cord. They are more common in younger children.

  6. Esthesioneuroblastoma (Olfactory Neuroblastoma): A tumor originating from the olfactory nerve in the nasal cavity that can extend into the skull base.

  7. Medulloblastomas: These are fast-growing tumors that usually develop in the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for balance and coordination. They are more common in children.

  8. Optic Pathway Gliomas: These tumors affect the optic nerves and often lead to vision problems.

  9. Petroclival Tumors: Certain tumors located at the petroclival junction, a region of the brain abudding critical structures. Such tumors, although rare in children, require specific skullbase training to successfully treat.

  10. Pilocytic astrocytomas: These are typically low-grade tumors that often occur in the cerebellum and other parts of the brain.

  11. Pituitary Tumors: Abnormal growth that develops in the pituitary gland, a small, pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain, behind the bridge of the nose. These tumors may be non-functioning (i.e., not produce excessive amounts of hormones) or can be functioning (i.e., secrete hormones in excess, disrupting the normal hormonal balance of the body). Examples of functioning tumors include: Prolactinomas, Growth Hormone-Secreting Tumors (Acromegaly), and Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)-Secreting Tumors (Cushing's Disease).

  12. Sellar and Parasellar Tumors: Tumors that involve the sellar region, including but not limited to: Sarcoma, pituitary adenomas, teratoma, craniopharyngiomas, Aneurysm, Astrocytoma, Meningioma, and others.

  13. Trigeminal Schwannoma: A tumor originating from the trigeminal nerve, causing facial pain, numbness, weakness and other symptoms.

  14. Vestibular Schwannoma: A tumor arising from the Schwann cells of the vestibulocochlear nerve (cranial nerve VIII), often leading to hearing loss and imbalance.

Brain Tumor in a Child
Brain Tumors in a Child
Trigeminal Schwannoma that Causes Skull Based Neurosurgical Pathologies in a Child
What Might Cause Brain Tumors in Children?

Brain tumors in children can arise from various factors, and their exact causes are often not fully understood. However, several factors and conditions have been associated with the development of brain tumors in children. It's important to note that while these factors might increase the risk of brain tumors, the majority of cases occur without a clear identifiable cause. Some potential factors and conditions include:

  1. Genetic Predisposition: Certain genetic conditions and syndromes are associated with an increased risk of brain tumors. Examples include neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), tuberous sclerosis, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, and von Hippel-Lindau disease.

  2. Radiation Exposure: Exposure to ionizing radiation, especially at a young age, is a known risk factor for developing brain tumors. This can include exposure from medical procedures like radiation therapy or from environmental sources.

  3. Family History: While most brain tumors are not inherited, having a family history of certain types of tumors or genetic syndromes can increase the risk.

  4. Environmental Factors: Some studies have suggested a potential link between certain environmental factors and an increased risk of brain tumors in children. These factors might include exposure to certain chemicals or toxins, although the evidence is often inconclusive.

  5. Viral Infections: Some research has explored potential associations between viral infections and the development of brain tumors, but more studies are needed to establish clear links.

  6. Birth and Pregnancy Factors: Some studies have suggested a potential association between certain birth and pregnancy factors and the risk of brain tumors in children. These factors might include maternal exposures during pregnancy or complications during birth, but more research is needed to understand these connections.

  7. Immune System Dysfunction: Some theories suggest that abnormalities in the immune system might play a role in the development of brain tumors.

Child Genetically Predisposed to Developing a Brain Tumor
Radiation Exposure Causes Brain Tumor in a Child
Viral Infection Cause Brain Tumor in a Child
What Symptoms Might a Brain Tumor Cause in a Child?

Brain tumors in children can cause a wide range of symptoms, which can vary depending on the location, size, and type of tumor. It's important to note that these symptoms can be indicative of many other conditions as well, so a thorough medical evaluation is necessary for an accurate diagnosis. Some common symptoms of brain tumors in children include:

  1. Headaches: Persistent or worsening headaches, often in the morning or accompanied by vomiting.

  2. Nausea and Vomiting: Unexplained nausea and vomiting, particularly in the morning or with changes in position.

  3. Seizures: Seizures that may involve twitching, jerking, loss of consciousness, or unusual behavior.

  4. Changes in Vision: Blurred or double vision, decreased peripheral vision, or other visual disturbances.

  5. Balance and Coordination Problems: Trouble walking, stumbling, or difficulty with fine motor skills.

  6. Personality and Behavior Changes: Irritability, mood swings, personality changes, or sudden changes in behavior.

  7. Speech Difficulties: Trouble speaking, slurred speech, or difficulty finding the right words.

  8. Cognitive Changes: Decline in school performance, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, or other cognitive changes.

  9. Weakness or Numbness: Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs, often on one side of the body.

  10. Fatigue: Unexplained and persistent fatigue, even after adequate rest.

  11. Growth and Developmental Issues: Delayed milestones, changes in growth patterns, or regression in developmental skills.

  12. Increased Head Size: In infants, an enlarging head circumference may be a sign of increased intracranial pressure.

  13. Difficulty Swallowing: Trouble swallowing or frequent gagging.

  14. Changes in Sensation: Changes in sensation, such as tingling, numbness, or loss of sensation in certain areas of the body.

Brain Tumor Causing Headaches in a Child
Brain Tumor Causing Increased Head Size in a Child
What Treatments are Available for Brain Tumors in Children?

Once your child’s tumor has been diagnosed and its size and location thoroughly assessed, I (as a pediatric neurosurgeon in New York) will work with you, your child, and other medical professionals (e.g., oncologists and radiologists) at Children's Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM) to formulate a customized treatment strategy tailored to your child’s needs. This customized treatment may utilize any one or a combination of the following interventions:

Dr. Mandana Behbahani Operating on a Brain Tumor

  1. Surgery Intervention: Surgical removal of the tumor is often the first step in treatment if the tumor is accessible and its removal won't cause significant damage to vital brain functions. During the surgery, I will aim to remove as much of the tumor as safely possible.

  2. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their growth. It can be used before or after surgery, and sometimes alongside radiation therapy.

  3. Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy involves using high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells. It is often used after surgery to treat any remaining tumor cells or if the tumor is inoperable.

  4. Targeted Therapy: This type of treatment targets specific molecules involved in the growth and progression of cancer cells. Targeted therapies are designed to be more specific to the tumor cells and have fewer side effects on normal cells.

  5. Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy aims to stimulate the body's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. It's a newer approach and is being explored for the treatment of brain tumors.

bottom of page