children s health issues
Overview of Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors in Children
Treatment of Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors in Children
Surgical removal of the tumor Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or both Drainage of cerebrospinal fluid (See also Cancer Treatment Principles .) Usually, treatment of central nervous system tumors involves Surgery for Cancer . Then, When possible, the tumor is removed surgically. Brain tumors are removed by opening the skull (called a craniotomy). Some brain tumors can be removed with little or no damage to the brain. After surgery, MRI is done to determine whether any of the tumor is left and, if so, how much. If the tumor cannot be removed surgically, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or both are usually required. In children younger than 5 years of age, depending on the tumor type, chemotherapy may be used first because radiation therapy can interfere with growth and brain development. If needed, radiation therapy may be used when children are older. Chemotherapy may also have serious side effects. If the tumor is blocking the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, a small tube (catheter) may be used to drain the cerebrospinal fluid before the tumor is surgically removed. After a local or general anesthetic is used, the tube is inserted through a tiny opening drilled in the skull, and fluid is withdrawn to reduce the pressure within the skull. The tube is connected to a gauge that measures the pressure within the skull. After a few days, the tube is removed or may be converted to a permanent drain (shunt—see Hydrocephalus ). Because cancer is relatively rare in children, the doctor may speak with the parents about entry into a clinical trial, if available. In such trials, some children receive the standard treatment, and others receive the treatment being tested (called experimental treatment). The experimental treatment may involve new chemotherapy drugs, new combinations of older drugs, or new surgical or radiation techniques. However, experimental treatments are not always effective, and side effects or complications may not be known. 