children s health issues
Overview of Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors in Children
Introduction
The central nervous system is made up of the brain and spinal cord. Central nervous system tumors are the second most common Overview of Childhood Cancer under 15 years of age (after leukemia) and the leading cause of death in children from cancer. The most common central nervous system tumors in children are (in order) Astrocytomas , Brain tumors can cause various symptoms, including headaches, nausea, vomiting, vision problems, listlessness, and loss of coordination or balance. The diagnosis is usually based on results of magnetic resonance imaging and a biopsy. Treatment may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination. The cause of central nervous system tumors is usually unknown. However, high doses of Radiation and cancer and certain genetic disorders (for example, (See also Overview of Brain Tumors .) 