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Brain Tumor, Pediatric

Jane E. Minturn, MD, PhD and Michael J. Fisher, MD Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

A primary neoplasm arising in the central nervous system (CNS) 

EPIDEMIOLOGY

  • Most common solid neoplasm of childhood (second to leukemia in overall incidence)

  • Most common cause of cance...

DIAGNOSIS

Tumor location dictates symptoms and signs. 

HISTORY

  • Headache and vomiting (particularly in the morning), irritability, and lethargy are associated with increased intracranial pressure.

  • Difficu...

TREATMENT

SURGERY/OTHER PROCEDURES

  • Both for histology/molecular characterization and to attempt maximal tumor debulking; should be performed by experienced pediatric neurosurgeon

  • Rarely indicated in dif...

ONGOING CARE

  • Neurologic deficits can take months to improve or stabilize with permanent deficit.

  • Any worsening or relapse of symptoms must be evaluated for tumor recurrence.

  • MRI every 3 months the 1st y...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Fleming AJ, Chi SN. Brain tumors in children. Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care.  2012;42(4):80–103. [View Abstract on OvidInsights]

  • Liu KW, Pajtler KW, Worst BC, et al. Mo...

CODES

ICD9

  • 239.6 Neoplasm of unspecified nature of brain

  • 191.9 Malignant neoplasm of brain, unspecified

  • 225.0 Benign neoplasm of brain

  • 225.2 Benign neoplasm of cerebral meninges

ICD10

  • D49.6 Neoplasm of unsp...

FAQ

  • Q: Are my other children at risk for getting a brain tumor?

  • A: No (except in rare cases of certain familial syndromes).

  • Q: Did something I do cause this?

  • A: No. In addition, the claims made about hig...

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