A brain tumor (also known as an intracranial tumor), is an abnormal mass of tissues that occurs out of uncontrolled growth and multiplication of cells. There are more than 150 different types of brain tumors that have been enlisted. 

Primary brain tumor refer to tumor that are generated from the brain tissues and their instant environs. Such a kind of tumor is further categorized into two types- namely glial cells or non-glial and benign or malignant.

Metastatic brain tumors indicate tumors that originate from any other parts of the body and migrate to the brain, via the bloodstream. Metastatic tumors are cancerous and malignant 

Brain Tumor in Children

Pediatric brain tumors are unusual growth of cells that initiates in or in the nearby sites of the brain in kids. It can put pressure on the nearby sites of the brain and lead to various symptoms.

Brain tumors in children are different than those of adults. Few types of brain tumors are more common in kids than in adults. The most common among them are medulloblastomas, brainstem gliomas, ependymomas, low-grade astrocytomas (pilocytic) and craniopharyngiomas. 

Different types: 

Here are a few most common brain tumor types

1. Medulloblastomas: 

These are fast-growing, malignant tumors originating in the cerebellum or posterior fossa. They can spread to other parts of the brain and spine and often require a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

2. Gliomas: 

These tumors arise from glial cells and include subtypes like astrocytomas, ependymomas, and brainstem gliomas. Astrocytomas can range from low-grade (less aggressive) to high-grade (more aggressive) tumors. Low-grade astrocytomas, such as pilocytic astrocytomas, are more common and have a better prognosis.

3. Ependymomas: 

These tumors develop from ependymal cells lining the ventricles of the brain and the center of the spinal cord. Treatment typically involves surgical removal, followed by radiation therapy.

4. Brainstem Gliomas: 

These tumors occur in the brainstem, which controls vital functions. Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG) are a particularly aggressive type with a poor prognosis.

1. Craniopharyngiomas- These tumors are hard to treat as they are located deep witnin the brain. This kind of tumor usually arises from a site of the pituitary gland (that controls numerous hormones within the body). Thus, as a result, all such patients will need a kind of hormone replacement therapy.
2. Pituitary adenomas- These are the most common type of intracranial tumors that come after gliomas, meningiomas and schwannomas. Most of the pituitary adenomas are benign and are slow-growing. Even malignant pituitary tumors rarely tend to spread to other parts of the body. Adenomas are among the most common diseases that affect the pituitary. They commonly are found among people belonging to the ages of 30s and 40s. They are also diagnosed in children as well. The majority of these tumors can be treated successfully. 
3. Schwannomas- These brain tumors are commonly benign that are found in adults. These tumors arise along with nerves that comprise cells, normally providing the “electrical insulation” for the nerve cells. Schwannomas tend to replace the remainder of the usual nerve. Acoustic neuromas are the most common type of schwannoma that originate from the eight cranial nerve or vestibularcochlear nerve that migrates from the brain to the ear. Though these tumors are categorized as benign, they can cause some serious complications and even lead to death, if they grow and exert excessive pressure on the nerves and ultimately on the brain. The other sites on which it may attack are the spine and nerves that go to the limbs. 

Common Symptoms of Brain Tumor

The symptoms of brain tumours in kids may vary from person to person based on the location of the brain tumour. The most common of them are as follows-

• Headaches 
• Vision changes
• Hearing changes
• Facial numbness or tingling
• Seizures or convulsions
• Personality changes
• Nausea or vomiting, swallowing difficulties
• Confusion and disorientation
• Difficulty thinking, speaking or articulating
• Weakness or paralysis in one part or one side of the body
• Loss of balance or dizziness

Treatment Options available: 

1. Surgery: Often the first line of treatment, aiming to remove as much of the tumor as possible. The extent of removal depends on the tumor's location and type.
2. Radiation Therapy:
   • Conventional Radiation: Uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells.
   • Proton Beam Therapy: Targets tumors more precisely, reducing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
   • Stereotactic Radiosurgery: Delivers focused radiation to small, well-defined tumors.
3. Chemotherapy: Administered to kill cancer cells or stop their growth. It's often used in conjunction with surgery and radiation, particularly for aggressive or inoperable tumors.
4. Targeted Therapy: Involves drugs designed to target specific genetic or molecular features of the tumor cells, minimizing damage to normal cells. Examples include kinase inhibitors.
5. Immunotherapy: Stimulates the body's immune system to attack cancer cells. Techniques include checkpoint inhibitors and CAR T-cell therapy, though these are more experimental in pediatric brain tumors.
6. Clinical Trials: Provide access to new and innovative treatments not yet widely available. Participation can be an option for recurrent or treatment-resistant tumors.
7. Supportive Care: Focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life. This can include physical therapy, occupational therapy, pain management, and psychological support.

Wrapping Up

Treatment for brain tumors in kids is often different from that for adult brain tumors. Thus, it is essential to seek the best medical care from experienced health experts to treat children with the best medical care. The type of brain tumor in children assists in determining the perfect treatment plan. The other factors that matter are the location of the tumor, its coverage and the child’s age as well as overall health status.