1. What is a brain tumour?
A brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells in the brain. Some tumours are benign (non-cancerous), while others are malignant (cancerous). Symptoms and treatment depend on the tumour’s size, type, and location.
2. How common are brain tumours in children?
Brain tumours are the most common solid tumours in children after blood cancers such as leukemia. Thousands of children are diagnosed every year.
3. What are the types of brain tumours in children?
- Gliomas: Develop from supportive brain cells.
- Medulloblastoma: Fast-growing tumours, usually found in the back of the brain.
- Ependymoma: Develops in the fluid-filled spaces (ventricles) of the brain.
- Craniopharyngioma: Benign tumours that may affect growth and vision.
4. What are common warning signs?
- Persistent headaches (especially in the morning)
- Early morning vomiting
- Blurred or double vision
- Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
- Seizures
- Weakness in the arms or legs
- Behavioural changes or decline in school performance
5. When should you seek urgent medical care?
Consult a doctor immediately if your child experiences:
- Repeated morning vomiting
- Persistent or worsening headaches
- New-onset seizures
- Weakness or loss of balance
- Sudden vision problems
6. What should be done if a tumour is suspected?
Your doctor may perform:
- Detailed medical history
- Physical examination
- Neurological assessment (movement, balance, reflexes, vision)
7. What tests are used?
Imaging Tests
- MRI Scan (Preferred): Most accurate test for detecting brain tumours.
- CT Scan: Useful during emergencies.
Advanced Imaging (When Required)
- MR Spectroscopy (MRS): Evaluates tumour chemistry.
- DTI (Diffusion Tensor Imaging): Maps important brain pathways.
- Functional MRI (fMRI): Identifies areas controlling speech and movement.
7. Are blood tests helpful?
Blood tests cannot diagnose brain tumours but may help assess overall health. Certain tumour markers (such as AFP and beta-HCG) may be checked in specific tumour types.
8. Is biopsy or surgery necessary?
In many cases, a biopsy or surgery is required to confirm the tumour type and help doctors plan the most effective treatment.
9. Can brain tumours spread?
Some brain tumours, such as medulloblastoma, can spread through the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Additional tests like spine MRI or CSF examination may be required. Spread outside the brain and spine is very rare.
10. Why are genetic and molecular tests important?
These tests help doctors:
- Identify the exact tumour subtype
- Predict tumour behaviour
- Plan targeted and personalized treatment
11. What are the treatment options?
Treatment depends on the tumour type and may include:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation Therapy
Many children improve significantly with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Key message for parents
Early diagnosis can make a significant difference. If your child develops persistent headaches, repeated vomiting, seizures, balance problems, or vision changes, seek medical attention promptly.
Consultation
Dr. Harshal Agrawal, MBBS, DNB
Neurosurgery (Gold Medalist), MNAMS, FRCS (Neurosurgery) Fellowships in Pediatric Neurosurgery & Neuro-oncology
Pediatric Brain & Spine Specialist
MRR Children’s Hospital, Thane