Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors in Children

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What Is Brain/CNS Tumors In Children? TOPICS

What are brain and spinal cord tumors in children?


In most other parts of the body, it is very important to distinguish between benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) tumors. Benign tumors do not invade nearby tissues or spread to distant areas, so in other parts of the body they are almost never life threatening. One of the main reasons malignant tumors (cancers) are so dangerous is because they can spread throughout the body.

Although brain tumors rarely spread to other parts of the body, most of them can spread through the brain and spinal cord tissue. Even so-called benign tumors can, as they grow, press on and destroy normal brain tissue, causing damage that is often disabling and can sometimes cause death. This is why doctors usually speak of “brain tumors” rather than “brain cancers.” The main concerns with brain and spinal cord tumors are how fast they grow, how readily they spread through the rest of the brain or spinal cord, and if they can be removed or treated and not come back. But both benign and malignant tumors can be life threatening.

Brain and spinal cord tumors in children tend to be different from those in adults. They often form in different places, develop from different cell types, and may have a different treatment and prognosis (outlook). For information about the differences between childhood cancers and adult cancers, see Cancer in Children. This document refers only to brain and spinal cord tumors in children. Tumors in adults are discussed in our document Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors in Adults.

The central nervous system




The brain and spinal cord are surrounded and cushioned by a liquid called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Cerebrospinal fluid is made by the choroid plexus, which is located in spaces in the brain called ventricles. The ventricles and the spaces around the brain and spinal cord are filled with CSF.

Parts of the brain and spinal cord

The main areas of the brain include the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brain stem. Each area has a special function.

Cerebrum: The cerebrum is the large, outer part of the brain. It is made up of 2 hemispheres (halves) and controls reasoning, thought, emotion, and language. It is also responsible for planned (voluntary) muscle movements (throwing a ball, walking, chewing, etc.) and for taking in and interpreting sensory information such as vision, hearing, smell, touch, and pain.


  • Seizures
  • Trouble speaking
  • A change of mood such as depression
  • A change in personality
  • Weakness or paralysis in part of the body
  • Changes in vision, hearing, or other senses


Tumors of the cerebellum can cause problems with coordination in walking; trouble with precise movements of hands, arms, feet, and legs; problems with swallowing or synchronized eye movements; and changes in speech rhythm.

Brain stem: The brain stem is the lower part of the brain that connects to the spinal cord. It has bundles of very long nerve fibers that carry signals controlling muscles and sensation or feeling between the cerebrum and the rest of the body. Special centers in the brain stem also help control breathing and the heart beating. In addition, most cranial nerves (described below) start in the brain stem.

The brain stem is divided into 3 main parts: the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.



Spinal cord tumors can cause weakness, paralysis, or numbness. The spinal cord is a narrow structure, so tumors that develop there usually cause symptoms on both sides of the body (for example, weakness or numbness of both legs). This is different from symptoms of most brain tumors, which often affect only one side of the body.

The nerves that reach the arms leave the spinal cord at the level of the neck (cervical spine). Nerves to the legs, bowel, and bladder branch off the spinal cord in the back (thoracic and lumbar spine). Spinal cord tumors in the neck (cervical spine) can cause symptoms in both the arms and legs, as well as affect bowel and bladder function. Spinal cord tumors below the neck only affect the legs and bowel and bladder function.

Cranial nerves: The cranial nerves extend directly out of the base of the brain (as opposed to coming out of the spinal cord). These nerves carry signals directly between the brain and the face, eyes, tongue, mouth, and some other areas.

The most common cranial nerve tumors in children are called optic gliomas, which are tumors of the optic nerve (the large nerve that runs between the brain and each eye). These tumors cause vision problems. Tumors starting in other cranial nerves can cause double vision; trouble swallowing; hearing loss in one or both ears; or facial paralysis, numbness, or pain.

Types of cells and body tissues in the brain and spinal cord




Glial cells: Glial cells are the supporting cells of the brain. Most brain and spinal cord tumors develop from glial cells. These tumors are sometimes referred to as a group called gliomas.


  • Ependymal cells line the ventricles (fluid-filled areas) within the central part of the brain and form part of the pathway through which cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flows. Tumors starting in these cells are called ependymomas.

Neuroectodermal cells: These are very early forms of nervous system cells that are probably involved in brain cell development. They are found throughout the brain. The most common tumors that come from these cells are called medulloblastomas, which start in the cerebellum.

Meninges: These are layers of tissue that line and protect the brain and spinal cord. The meninges help form the spaces through which CSF travels. The most common tumors that start in these tissues are called meningiomas.

Choroid plexus: The choroid plexus is the area of the brain within the ventricles that makes CSF, which nourishes and protects the brain. Tumors that start here include choroid plexus papillomas and choroid plexus carcinomas.



Pineal gland: The pineal gland is not really part of the brain. It is a small endocrine gland that sits between the cerebral hemispheres. It makes melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep, in response to changes in light. The most common tumors of the pineal gland are called pineoblastomas.


Last Medical Review: 08/12/2014
Last Revised: 01/21/2016