Brain Tumors in Children

Astrocytomas- Astrocytomas in children are usually low grade tumors and most frequently occur in the posterior fossa. This is the region in the back of the brain behind and below a line drawn from one ear to another across the back of the head. The cerebellum and the brain stem occupy this region and the three most common Pediatric Brain Tumors (Astrocytoma, Medulloblastoma and Ependymoma) characteristically arise in this location.

Surgery is virtually always required and serves several goals. First is removal of the offending mass. Regardless of the tumor type outcome is improved by removing the tumor. Low grade (pilocytic) astrocytomas of the cerebellum can often be completely removed.

         Medulloblastoma

         Ependymoma

         Craniopharyngioma

         Hypothalamic Gliomas

         Pineal Region tumors/Germinomas