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When Your Child Has a Brain Tumor

The brain is part of the body’s nervous system. Your child’s ability to think, learn, speak, feel emotion, and reason are all controlled by the brain. The brain also controls basic body functions such as movement, sensation, breathing, and heartbeat. A brain tumor can affect your child’s brain function and threaten his or her overall health. Any changes in personality or behavior should be brought to the attention of your child's health care provider. For younger children, any loss of developmental milestones, such as crawling, standing, or walking, will need to be addressed. Your child’s health care provider will help you understand the specific type of brain tumor your child has and tell you more about treatment options for your child. Young girl playing with toy blood pressure cuff on teddy bear. Healthcare provider smiling at girl and holding teddy bear. Girl's mother is sitting in background, watching.

What is a brain tumor?

A brain tumor is a mass of abnormal cells in the brain. It can have the following characteristics:

  • A tumor can be primary (started in the brain). Or, a tumor can be metastatic (traveled to the brain from another part of the body). In children, primary tumors are more common than metastatic tumors.

  • A tumor can be benign or malignant. Most benign tumors are made up of slow-growing cells that rarely spread. The cells are not likely to be cancerous. Most malignant tumors are made up of fast-growing cells that invade surrounding tissue. The cells are more likely to be cancerous. Both benign and malignant tumors can be life threatening and can require intensive treatment.

What are the risk factors for a brain tumor?

Brain tumors can occur randomly in children of all ethnicities and ages. Children with certain genetic conditions, such as neurofibromatosis, are more likely to develop tumors than others.

What are the symptoms of a brain tumor?


  • Recurrent headaches

  • Loss of balance

  • Difficulty walking

  • Seizures or convulsions

  • Problems with vision, speech, concentration, balance, coordination, or movement

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Paralysis or weakness in one part or side of the body

  • Changes in personality or behavior

  • Rapid increase in head size in infants

How as a brain tumor diagnosed?

Your child will likely see a pediatric neurologist or a pediatric neurosurgeon for diagnosis and treatment. These are doctors who specialize in neurologic problems. In addition, other specialists and health care providers may be involved in your child’s care.

To confirm the diagnosis of a tumor, the doctor performs an evaluation. This includes taking a detailed health history. You’ll be asked to describe your child’s symptoms and any health problems. The following tests may also be done:


  • MRI or CT scan to provide detailed pictures of the brain. These help the doctor determine tumor size and location. With either test, fluid called contrast dye may be used to make a tumor easier to see.

  • Stereotactic biopsy to learn more about the tumor type and whether it is benign or malignant. During this procedure, a small sample of tumor tissue is taken for lab testing. The tumor is analyzed and given a grade. The grade is based on how fast new tumor cells are forming and how quickly they are spreading into surrounding tissue.

  • Cerebrospinal fluid exam to determine whether the tumor has spread.

  • PET scan (positron emission tomography scan) a procedure that uses a radioactive glucose solution to find malignant tumor cells. The scanner rotates around the body and looks for the areas that take up sugar. Tumors take up more sugar and look brighter on the scan.

How is a brain tumor treated?

Treatment for a brain tumor varies for every child. Each treatment also carries possible risks and complications. Your child’s doctor will discuss specific treatments with you. Possible treatments include:

  • Surgery to remove a tumor to the extent possible.

  • Chemotherapy to treat tumor cells with medications. One medication or a combination may be given. The medications can be taken orally (by mouth) or by IV (injection into a blood vessel). In some cases, they can be injected directly into the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Chemotherapy is often used along with other treatments. It is given in cycles to allow the body to rest and build new healthy cells between treatments.

  • Radiation to destroy tumor cells with X-ray beams. There are two types of radiation: focused and whole brain. With focused radiation, X-ray beams are aimed at the tumor and the area around it. With whole-brain radiation, X-ray beams are used on the entire brain. This method is more commonly used to treat multiple tumors. In addition to traditional radiation, stereotactic radiosurgery may also be used. It involves directing several high doses of radiation to a specific area in the brain with the aid of specialized equipment.

What are the long-term concerns?

The outcome of your child’s condition depends on many factors such as age, overall health, and the tumor type, size, and location. Some long-term concerns may be related to the extent of radiation therapy and whether it is localized or includes the whole brain and spinal cord. In recent years, more and more childhood brain tumors have become treatable. Your child’s doctor will work closely with you to make sure your child receives the best care.


Coping with your child’s condition


  • Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, www.pbtfus.org

  • American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org

  • Children’s Oncology Group (COG), www.childrensoncologygroup.org


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