Malignant tumors contain cancerous cells and can spread to other parts of the brain or the spinal cord however chemo and radiation therapy can control the spread.1,2
Certain pediatric brain tumors can cause significant long-term impairment with cognitive thinking (intellectual capacity) as well as balance problems (neurological issues).3
Most pediatric cancers develop as a result of DNA changes (chromosomal changes) that occur very early in childhood.4
How Do You Stop Pediatric Brain Tumor From Spreading?
Pediatric brain tumors are of different types, some are cancerous that spread to different parts of the body. Similarly, invasive tumors spread to surrounding areas (metastasize) and are more challenging or impractical to eliminate.
However, treatment improves symptoms and increase the survival rate for patients, but some cancer can also lead to untimely death. But constant clinical trials are performed for patients to get benefitted from standard oncologic care alongside palliative care. The spread of these cancerous cells can be controlled through appropriate treatments. Treatments can control and slow the growth of brain metastases that are growing out of control.
Treatment for a brain tumor requires a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Studies show that metastatic brain tumors are often treatable and can be well controlled. But they don’t go away completely and require supportive therapies. This can help manage and control neurological problems.1,2
How Dangerous Is A Pediatric Brain Tumor?
The clinical theory states that brain cancers are the most solid tumors in children affecting nearly 4k people in the United States. Most pediatric brain cancers have anomalies of genes causing uncontrolled cell multiplication.
Children who have received radiation therapy to the head for other reasons have an enhanced risk of developing brain tumors. Gliomas are the most common brain tumors developing from glial cells. The most cancerous of all brain tumors are high-grade astrocytomas. The median survival for patients suffering from grade II astrocytomas vary between 5- 8 years. They cause serious neurological symptoms that can be life-threatening.
Primitive neuroectodermal tumors can occur anywhere in the brain of a child increasing intracranial pressure. They are a high group of malignant tumors with nonspecific symptoms such as abdominal pain and gross hematuria that can be fatal in some instances.3
Is Pediatric Cancer Contagious?
Cancers in children are often hard to recognize. In some cases, people do not experience symptoms at all and experience signs when it has already spread to other parts. Most cancers develop due to genetic factors (that run-in family) that start very early in life however they are not contagious typically spreading from one person to another.
With the advancement in medical treatment, the survival rate has increased for many children. Because of the severe consequences and complexity of treatment, most cancers are treated with utmost care. Standard therapies include chemotherapy, surgery. and/or radiotherapy.4
When brain cells grow unusually or out of control, a tumor (a mass of cells) can develop. Brain tumors when discovered early are generally treatable. Although treatments for high-grade pediatric brain cancers are progressing, tumors arising from the brain are often fatal.
Treatment approaches may be beneficial or emphasize relieving symptoms. The treatments that help these children survive their cancer can also cause health problems later on that show up until months or years after treatment. Therefore, your healthcare provider may suggest careful follow-up to find and treat any late effects as early as possible.
- “Brain Tumors (for Parents) – Nemours KidsHealth.” Edited by Rupal Christine Gupta, KidsHealth, The Nemours Foundation, July 2016,
- “Brain Tumor – Children: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Transitions in Care for Patients with Brain Tumors: Palliative and Hospice Care” MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000768.htm
- “Brain Tumors in Children.” Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment, www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/brain-tumors
- “Risk Factors and Causes of Childhood Cancer.” American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-in-children/risk-factors-and-causes.html
Also Read:
- How To Diagnose Pediatric Brain Tumor & What Is The Best Medicine For It?
- What Are The First Symptoms Of Pediatric Brain Tumor & How Do You Test For It?
- What Leads To Pediatric Brain Tumors & Can They Be Cured?
- Is Pediatric Brain Tumor A Serious Condition & Can It Be Reversed?
- What To Eat & Avoid For Pediatric Brain Tumors?
- What Is The Most Common Type Of Pediatric Brain Tumors & Coping Methods For Pediatric Brain Tumors?
- How Long Will It Take To Recover From Pediatric Brain Tumors & How Long Do The Symptoms Last?
