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Childhood Brain Tumors
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Children Teenagers

Childhood Brain Tumors

Brain tumors are abnormal growths inside the skull and represent one of the most common types of childhood cancers, requiring specific diagnostic and treatment approaches distinct from adult cases.

Overview

Brain tumors are defined as abnormal growths within the skull. While they are among the most common types of childhood cancers, it is important to distinguish between the two main categories:

  • Benign tumors: These are not cancerous but can still be serious.
  • Malignant tumors: These are cancerous.

Symptoms

Childhood brain and spinal cord tumors can cause headaches and other issues. However, because other conditions can cause the same symptoms, it is crucial to consult a doctor if a child experiences any of the following problems:

  • Morning headache or headache that goes away after vomiting
  • Frequent nausea and vomiting
  • Vision, hearing, and speech problems
  • Loss of balance or trouble walking
  • Unusual sleepiness
  • Personality changes
  • Seizures
  • Increased head size in infants

Note that these symptoms are not the same in every child.

Diagnosis

Doctors utilize a combination of methods to diagnose brain tumors, including:

  • Physical and neurological exams
  • Lab tests
  • Imaging

Treatment & Management

Treatment for children is sometimes different than for adults, with long-term side effects being an important consideration. The specific options depend on the type of tumor and its location.

  • Surgery: Most childhood brain tumors are diagnosed and removed during surgery.
  • Other Therapies: If removal is not possible, radiation, chemotherapy, or both may be used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Morning headaches are a classic sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) caused by a brain tumor. During sleep, the body is horizontal, which can cause fluid to accumulate around the brain if a tumor is obstructing normal drainage pathways. When the child wakes up and sits or stands, gravity helps drain some of this fluid, often relieving the pressure. If the headache is severe enough to cause vomiting, and the vomiting temporarily relieves the pain, it is a significant red flag that requires immediate medical attention.
Diagnosis relies on a combination of imaging and tissue analysis. MRI scans can show the tumor's size, location, and whether it is enhancing with contrast, which gives clues about its nature. However, the definitive distinction is made through a biopsy or surgical removal, where a pathologist examines the cells under a microscope. Malignant tumors show rapid cell division and abnormal structures, while benign tumors grow more slowly and have distinct cellular boundaries, though benign tumors can still be dangerous if they press on critical brain areas.
Radiation therapy is effective but carries risks of long-term side effects in developing children. These can include growth hormone deficiency, leading to short stature, and hypothyroidism, which affects metabolism. Cognitive effects, such as difficulties with memory, processing speed, and attention, may emerge months or years after treatment. To mitigate these risks, doctors may use proton therapy, which is more precise than standard X-ray radiation, or delay radiation until the child is older if the tumor type allows.
Surgery is the primary treatment for most childhood brain tumors, serving both to remove the mass and to provide tissue for diagnosis. The goal is often a "gross total resection," meaning all visible tumor is removed. However, because the brain is a delicate organ, tumors located near critical areas for speech, movement, or vision may not be fully removable without causing severe neurological deficits. In such cases, surgeons may perform a partial resection to relieve pressure, followed by radiation or chemotherapy to target the remaining cells.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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