Overview of brain tumors in children

[Raeanne Dimick]

Brain tumors (also see brain tumors in adults) are the second most common cancer in children younger than 15 years (after leukemia) and the second leading cause of death from cancer.

The most common brain tumors in children are astrocytomas. Less common brain tumors include medulloblastomas and ependymomas.
Brain tumors can cause various symptoms, including headaches, nausea, vomiting, vision problems, listlessness, and loss of coordination or balance.
The diagnosis is usually based on results of magnetic resonance imaging and a biopsy.
Treatment may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination.

The cause of most brain tumors is usually unknown. However, high doses of radiation and certain genetic disorders (for example, neurofibromatosis) are known to cause brain tumors.