What is brain tumors in children?

Brain tumors don't always cause symptoms in children. When they do, it might mean that the tumor is pressing on or damaging parts of your child's brain. Possible symptoms include:

• Headaches.
• Frequent nausea and vomiting.
• Vision changes.
• Hearing or speech problems.
• Unusual sleepiness.
• Seizures.
• Loss of balance or trouble walking.
• New weakness in the face, arms, or legs.

Treatment for cancer that starts in the brain is based on the type and location of the cancer and other things, such as your child's age. Often the main treatment is surgery to remove the tumor. Other treatment options may include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.

The doctor will ask questions about your child's and family's past health and will do a physical exam. Blood tests and imaging tests—such as a CT scan, an MRI, or both—will be done. After these tests, the doctor may schedule a biopsy, where a sample of cells is taken from the tumor.

There are things you can do at home to help your child. Give any medicines as prescribed. If it's hard for your child to eat, talk to the doctor or a dietitian. Help your child get plenty of rest.

Learning that your child has a brain tumor can be overwhelming. You may feel many emotions and may need some help coping. Seek out family, friends, and counselors for support. You can also do things at home to make your child feel better during treatment.

Your care team can help you and your child understand what's going on in your child's body, what might happen during treatment, and what might come later. During treatment, you will get information about why your child is having the treatment, its risks, how to prepare, and what to do afterward.

A tumor is a mass of abnormal cells in the body. When a tumor starts in the brain, it's called a brain tumor. A tumor can form in different parts of the brain and in the nerve tissue in the spinal cord. The cells in a tumor might not be cancer (benign), or they might be cancer (malignant).

Both benign and malignant tumors can press on and affect parts of your child's brain and spinal cord.