Brain tumours in children are abnormal growths of cells in the brain.
A tumour can begin in the brain, or it can begin in another part of the body and spread to the brain. Brain tumours can be classified as either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Brain tumours in children are quite different from those in adults and are often treated differently. Some of the most common types of brain tumours in children include medulloblastomas, gliomas, brain stem gliomas, and ependymomas.
The symptoms of a brain tumour in a child can vary depending on the location of the tumour, its size, and how quickly it is growing. Symptoms may include headaches, vomiting, fatigue, seizures, and changes in behavior or cognitive functions such as memory, attention or coordination.
The causes of brain tumours in children are not well understood. It can be linked to certain genetic conditions, but in most cases, the cause is unknown.
Treatment typically involves a combination of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. The specific treatment will depend on the type of tumour, its location in the brain, and the age and overall health of the child. Treatment can be very effective, but it can also have long-term side effects, so doctors work carefully to balance the benefits of treatment with its potential risks.
Causes of Brain tumours: Children
Brain tumors in children, like in adults, could have several potential causes. However, the exact reasons why a child might develop a brain tumor aren’t fully understood. Below are some of the possible causes and risk factors:
1. Genetic Conditions: Some children may inherit genetic changes (mutations) that increase their risk of getting brain tumors. Conditions such as neurofibromatosis, Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, and Li-Fraumeni syndrome, among others, are associated with a higher risk of brain tumors.
2. Radiation Exposure: Exposure to radiation, especially in the head area, can increase the risk of developing brain tumors. This is often seen in children who have undergone radiation therapy for other conditions.
3. Immune System Disorders: Certain disorders of the immune system, like AIDS, might increase the risk of developing central nervous system tumors.
4. Age and Sex: The incidence of brain tumors varies with age and sex. Boys are more likely to develop brain tumours than girls and certain types of tumours like medulloblastomas are more common at certain ages.
5. Chemical Exposures: Some studies suggest that exposure to certain chemicals could contribute to the development of brain tumors in children, however, this is still quite a controversial topic and involves a lot more research to provide concrete evidence.
It’s important to highlight that these factors can increase the risk, but they don’t necessarily cause brain tumors. Most children with brain tumors do not have any known risk factors. The development of brain tumors is a complex process that involves a variety of genetic and environmental factors.
Risk Factors of Brain tumours: Children
Brain tumours in children can be cause by a variety of risk factors. They include:
1. Family History: Certain genetic disorders can increase the risk of brain tumors in children. These include neurofibromatosis, von Hippel-Lindau disease, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis.
2. Previous Radiation Therapy: Children who have had radiation therapy to the head are at a higher risk of developing a brain tumor.
3. Age: Brain tumors are more common in the first few years of life and in older teenagers.
4. Exposure to Certain Chemicals: There is some evidence that exposure to certain chemicals, including specific pesticides, may increase the risk of brain tumors in children.
5. Immune System Disorders: Some research suggests that children with disorders that affect the immune system, such as AIDS, may have an increased risk.
6. Sex: Males are slightly more likely to develop brain tumors than females.
7. Race/Ethnicity: Brain tumors in children differ somewhat by race and ethnicity. For example, gliomas (tumors starting in glial cells that support and protect nerve cells) tend to be more common in white children than in black children.
Please note, many children with one or more of these risk factors do not develop brain tumors, while others who do get this disease have no known risk factors. It’s best to discuss any concerns with a healthcare professional.
Signs and Symptoms of Brain tumours: Children
Brain tumours in children can present with a variety of signs and symptoms. The symptoms can often vary depending on the age of the child and the location of the tumour. It’s important to understand that these symptoms can be caused by a variety of different conditions, and having these symptoms does not necessarily mean a child has a brain tumour. However, common symptoms may include:
1. Persistent Headaches: Often waking up during the night or in the morning.
2. Seizures: Sudden, unexpected and repeated episodes of loss of consciousness, body convulsions, or odd behavior are a strong sign of a brain tumour.
3. Nausea and Vomiting: Especially in the morning or unrelated to a specific illness like flu.
4. Fatigue/Tiredness: Children may start to seem on edge, lazy, or have no desire to engage in regular activities.
5. Balance/Coordination Problems: Children may face issues with walking, unexplained clumsiness, or poor hand-eye coordination.
6. Changes in Behaviour or Personality: Behavioral and personality changes can also emerge, such as suddenly becoming more irritable, aggressive, or apathetic.
7. Changes in School Performance: The child’s grades may plummet or they may struggle to pay attention or understand.
8. Vision or Hearing Problems: This could be double or blurry vision, or loss of hearing.
9. Endocrine Problems: Including changes in growth, early or delayed puberty, or excessive thirst.
10. Increased Head Size (in infants): The size of the child’s skull may increase disproportionately to the body size.
Whenever these symptoms are noticed and persist, it’s always best to consult a paediatrician or a health care provider who can guide through appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Diagnosis Brain tumours: Children
The diagnosis of brain tumours in children refers to the detection and identification of abnormal, often uncontrolled, growths of cells in a child’s brain. These growths can be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous). In children, brain tumors are a major concern as they can affect the child’s development, physical abilities, and sometimes their life span.
Here’s a general process for how children might be diagnosed with a brain tumour:
1. Medical History and Physical Examination: The first step of diagnosing a brain tumour often involves a detailed examination of the child’s medical history and a comprehensive physical examination.
2. Imaging Tests: After the initial assessment, the doctor will usually order imaging tests, like an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) or CT (Computerized Tomography) scan, which provide detailed images of the brain and help in locating the tumour.
3. Neurological Examination: This includes tests of vision, hearing, balance, coordination, strength and reflexes to determine whether the tumor is affecting brain functions.
4. Biopsy: If a tumour is detected, a biopsy may be performed. This involves taking a small sample of the tumor tissue, which is then examined under a microscope in order to determine the type and the grade of the tumor.
5. Lumbar Puncture (In Some Cases): In some cases, a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) may be performed to assess whether cancer cells have spread to the spinal fluid.
After these tests are completed, a team of medical professionals will review all of the information to confirm the diagnosis and decide on a course of treatment. The type, size, and location of the tumour, as well as the child’s age and general health, will all be taken into account when planning treatment.
Treatment of Brain tumours: Children
Treatment of brain tumors in children often involves a multi-disciplinary approach that may include various combinations of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted drug therapy. The choice of treatment depends on the type, size, and location of the tumor, whether it has spread, the child’s overall health, possible side effects, and the needs and preferences of the family.
1. Surgery: This is often the first step in treating brain tumors in children. Neurosurgeons aim to remove as much of the tumor as possible without damaging healthy brain tissue needed for normal functions.
2. Radiation therapy: This therapy uses high-energy beams, such as X-rays or protons, to kill tumor cells. It may be used after surgery, to kill any cancer cells that remain, or for tumors that cannot be removed with surgery. With children, doctors try to limit the use of radiation therapy due to potential long-term impacts on brain development.
3. Chemotherapy: This treatment uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. Chemotherapy might be used after surgery to kill any cancer cells that might remain or used alone in certain cases where surgery is not optimal.
4. Targeted drug therapy: Targeted drugs treat brain tumors by taking advantage of specific defects in cancer cells that fuel their growth.
5. Immunotherapy: This is a drug treatment that helps the immune system to fight cancer.
6. Stem cell transplant: A procedure to replace diseased bone marrow with healthy bone marrow, either from your child’s body or from a donor, can be done to help your child’s body recover from high doses of chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
However, treatment for pediatric brain tumors also involves coping with side effects and complications of the tumor and its treatment. Therapies may include physical rehabilitation, speech therapy, educational support, and psychological counseling.
Each child’s treatment plan will vary, and some procedures might not be necessary, depending on the nature of the tumor. It’s important to work closely with the medical team to understand all available options, potential side effects, and to make decisions that are best for the child and the family as a whole.
Last but not least, participation in clinical trials could also be considered. These studies offer opportunities to take part in the latest research strategies and to receive state-of-the-art treatments.
Medications commonly used for Brain tumours: Children
Certain types of brain tumors in children may require medication therapy either alongside surgery or radiation therapy, or as a standalone treatment. Keep in mind that the exact choice of medication depends on the type of tumor, its growth rate, location, the child’s age, and overall health.
1. Chemotherapy Drugs: These are drugs designed to kill tumor cells or stop them from growing. For brain tumors, they may be given into the bloodstream, directly into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSA), or directly into the tumor itself. Common drugs used include Platinum-based drugs, Methotrexate, Doxorubicin, and Vincristine among others.
2. Corticosteroids: Drugs like Dexamethasone are used to reduce swelling and pressure inside the brain before or after surgery. This can help relieve symptoms such as headaches and nausea.
3. Anticonvulsants: Some children with brain tumors may have seizures, so drugs such as Levetiracetam or Phenytoin might be used to control these.
4. Antiemetics: Drugs like Ondansetron are given to control nausea and vomiting, which are common side effects of chemotherapy or a symptom of the tumor itself.
5. Hormonal Therapy: If a child’s pituitary gland is affected by the tumor or treatment, they might need hormone replacement therapy to ensure normal growth and development.
6. Targeted Therapies: These are newer drugs that specifically target the changes inside cells that make them become cancerous. Examples include Bevacizumab, Erlotinib, Imatinib, and Everolimus.
7. Immunotherapies: This is a rapidly advancing field that works by harnessing the body’s own immune system to fight the tumor.
Remember that every child’s treatment plan will be tailored to their individual needs, and a combination of therapies is often used. All medications have potential side effects that will be closely monitored by the healthcare team. Regular follow-ups are necessary to adjust treatment plans as needed. Always consult with a healthcare professional for advice regarding your child’s treatment.
Prevention of Brain tumours: Children
Brain tumors in children, like those in adults, cannot be completely prevented as their causes are often unknown. However, certain factors may reduce potential risks:
1. Healthy diet: Encourage a balanced, nutrient-rich diet full of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. The nutrients from these elements can strengthen the immune system and improve general health.
2. Regular exercise: Encourage physical activity. This helps maintain good overall health and boosts the immune system.
3. Avoid exposure to radiation: Limit exposure to radiation from various sources, especially during CT scans. Use these imaging procedures only when necessary.
4. Regular medical check-ups: Visit the doctor for regular check-ups. If there are any genetic conditions or if history of brain tumors exist in the family, it is important to have regular medical check-ups for early detection.
5. Limit exposure to certain chemicals: Exposure to certain chemicals, such as pesticides, may increase the risk of brain tumors.
6. Good prenatal care: If there’s a history of brain tumors in the family, adequate prenatal care and genetic consultation may be beneficial.
7. Prevent Head Injuries: Brain injuries can potentially increase the risk of developing a brain tumor. Ensuring that kids always have the right protective gear, like helmets during biking or skating, may help prevent head injuries.
Remember, all of these steps may reduce the risk but they do not guarantee prevention of brain tumors. Brain tumors often occur due to factors beyond our control. Always discuss any health concerns with a healthcare provider.
FAQ’s about Brain tumours: Children
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about brain tumours in children include:
1. What is a brain tumor in a child?
A brain tumour in a child is when abnormal cells grow in the brain, or from around the spinal cord. They can be primary (start within the brain) or secondary (spread from somewhere else).
2. What are the symptoms of a brain tumour in children?
Symptoms can include headaches, nausea, vision problems, seizures, changes in behaviour or personality, clumsiness, trouble walking, and fatigue. These can vary based on the size and location of the tumor.
3. What causes brain tumours in children?
The causes of most brain tumors in children are unknown. Some could be linked to exposure to radiation, certain genetic diseases, or a family history of brain tumours.
4. How are brain tumours in children diagnosed?
Brain tumours are usually diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, a review of the child’s health history, and neurological tests. These tests may be accompanied by imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and biopsy.
5. What are the types of brain tumours common in children?
The common brain tumours that occur in children include Medulloblastomas, Gliomas, Ependymomas, and Craniopharyngiomas.
6. How are brain tumours in children treated?
The treatment of brain tumours in children can vary depending on the type and severity of the tumour. Treatment options can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Sometimes, a combination of these treatments is used.
7. How can I support my child during treatment?
To support your child during treatment, maintain a regular routine as much as possible, reassure your child, provide a healthy diet, engage in safe physical activity, and seek emotional support for both you and your child through support groups or counselling.
8. What is the long-term outlook for a child with a brain tumour?
Many factors contribute to the long-term outlook for a child with a brain tumour, including the location and size of the tumour, the child’s age, the type of tumour, and how much of the tumour can be removed surgically. Many children survive and go on to live productive lives, but they may need long-term monitoring and follow-up care.
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Complications of Brain tumours: Children
Brain tumors in children present a variety of complications both due to the tumor itself and the treatment processes. Each child may experience complications differently.
Tumor-Related Complications
1. Headaches and Seizures: These are often the first symptoms of a brain tumor in children. The tumor increases pressure within the skull and may interfere with the normal electrical activity of the brain, triggering seizures.
2. Cognitive Challenges : Brain tumors can affect cognitive functions depending on their location. For instance, a tumor in the frontal lobe may affect thinking, attention, memory, and behavior. Tumors in or near the occipital lobe may affect vision.
3. Neurological Impairments: These can include balance and coordination issues, changes in movement or sensation, and weakness on one side of the body.
4. Hormonal Imbalance: Certain brain tumors can disrupt the pituitary gland which regulates hormones affecting growth, puberty, and metabolism.
Treatment-Related Complications
1. Surgery-related Complications: Surgery can lead to complications like infection, bleeding, and damage to surrounding brain tissue, thereby potentially resulting in neurological deficits.
2. Chemotherapy-related Complications: Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, and increased susceptibility to infections due to a weakened immune system.
3. Radiation Therapy-related Complications: Side effects can include fatigue, skin irritation, hair loss at the site of radiation, nausea, and cognitive changes. Long-term effects may include hormonal disruptions, stroke, secondary tumors, and cognitive deficits.
Psychosocial Complications
Dealing with a brain tumor can lead to changes in mood, behavior, and social functioning. The child might experience anxiety, depression, social withdrawal, and academic difficulties.
Recurrence
Despite successful initial treatment, brain tumors can recur, leading to the need for additional treatment and ongoing monitoring.
The type and severity of complications depend on the tumor’s size, location, type, as well as the child’s age and overall health. Each child’s situation is unique, and care plans are tailored to their specific circumstances while aiming to preserve their ongoing development and quality of life.
Home remedies of Brain tumours: Children
Brain tumors are a serious medical condition and cannot be treated with home remedies. If a child is suspected to have brain tumours, immediate medical attention from a professional is absolutely necessary. The treatments generally include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy depending on the type, size, and location of the tumor. Home remedies or natural therapies can sometimes be used to support traditional treatment and improve the overall wellbeing of the patient, but it’s vital that these are discussed with and approved by the child’s health care team.
For example, certain dietary changes can be beneficial for overall brain health, such as including antioxidant rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Adequate hydration, regular physical activity, and rest can also support overall health and wellbeing. Family support, counselling and psychotherapy can help with coping with the diagnosis and treatment procedures.
Again, it’s important to stress that these should never be considered as alternatives to professional medical treatment for serious conditions like brain tumors. Always consult with a healthcare professional.