Types of childhood brain tumor

Once childhood brain tumor is detected, additional tests will be performed to determine the type of tumor. If a biopsy specimen is taken, the tumor cells will be examined carefully under a microscope to see how different they appear from normal cells. This will determine the grade of the tumor. The grade of a tumor is determined by microscopic examination of its cells to see how similar the cells are to normal cells. Cells from higher-grade, more abnormal-looking tumors usually grow faster and are more malignant than cells from lower-grade tumors. Your child’s doctor needs to know the type and grade of tumor in order to plan treatment.

There is no staging for childhood brain tumors. Brain tumors are grouped according to their location within the brain and the appearance and behavior of the tumor tissue. The following groupings are used for childhood brain tumors:

Infratentorial tumors

Infratentorial tumors are those that occur in the lower part of the brain. Tumors found in this region include:

Medulloblastoma

(Refer to the PDQ summary on Childhood Medulloblastoma Treatment for more information.)

Cerebellar astrocytoma

(Refer to the PDQ summary on Childhood Cerebellar Astrocytoma Treatment for more information.)

Infratentorial ependymoma

Ependymal tumors are tumors that begin in the ependyma, the cells that line the hollow cavities within the brain (called ventricles) which are filled with cerebrospinal fluid. The growth of ependymal tumors can obstruct the flow of the cerebrospinal fluid through the brain and spinal cord. Infratentorial ependymomas begin in the lower part of the brain. These tumors may spread via the cerebrospinal fluid to other areas of the brain and spinal cord.

Brain stem glioma

(Refer to the PDQ summary on Childhood Brain Stem Glioma Treatment for more information.)

Supratentorial tumors

Supratentorial tumors are those that occur in the upper part of the brain. Common supratentorial tumors include:

Cerebral astrocytoma

(Refer to the PDQ summary on Childhood Cerebral Astrocytoma/Malignant Glioma Treatment for more information.)

Supratentorial ependymoma

Ependymal tumors are tumors that begin in the ependyma, the cells that line the hollow cavities within the brain (called ventricles) which are filled with cerebrospinal fluid. The growth of ependymal tumors can obstruct the flow of the cerebrospinal fluid through the brain. Supratentorial ependymomas begin in the upper part of the brain. These tumors may spread to other areas of the brain and spinal cord, depending on their grade.

Craniopharyngioma

Craniopharyngiomas are tumors that generally occur just above the pituitary gland. Located at the bottom of the brain, the pituitary gland is about the size of a pea and controls many vital functions. Craniopharyngiomas do not spread, but may interfere with important structures near them, causing serious problems.

Central nervous system germ cell tumor