Brain tumor and brain cancer in children

Description of brain tumors in children

Brain tumor is a disease, in which brain cells divide uncontrollably, forming a mass of tissue, It called tumor. The term cancer usually It refers to malignant tumors. They can penetrate surrounding tissue and spread to other parts of the body. Benign tumors do not spread, but it can continue to grow and put pressure on nearby tissues and organs.

Brain cancer can be divided into two categories:

• Первичный рак мозга – начинается в мозгу. This can be either malignant, a benign tumor. A small benign tumor in a vital spot can cause serious problems;
• Secondary, или метастатический рак мозга – распространяется на мозг из другого органа. All metastatic tumors are malignant.

Causes of brain tumors in children

The cause of most primary brain cancer unknown. Researchers believe, the appearance of tumors that may be associated with defects in the genes. These defects cause uncontrolled cell growth.

The cause of secondary brain cancers are tumors of other organs.

Risk factors for brain tumors in children

Factors, which increase the likelihood of developing a brain tumor in a child:

• Hereditary disease (eg, retinoblastoma);
• Exposure to radiation;
• Exposure to certain chemicals;
• Disease, which affect the immune system;
• Family history of certain cancers.

Symptoms of brain tumors in children

Symptoms depend on the location of the tumor size m. Additional tissues and fluids, that may have accumulated around the tumor, become a cause of various disorders:

• Головная боль – большинство головных болей не вызваны опухолями;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Personality changes;
• Confusion;
• Irritability;
• Drowsiness;
• Depression;
• Numbness or weakness in the hands or feet;
• Convulsions;
• Changes in vision or hearing, including double vision;
• Memory loss;
• Problems with speech.

Diagnosis of brain tumors in children

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history of the child, perform a physical examination. There will be a neurological examination, to test muscle strength, coordination, reflexes, the child's response to stimuli. The doctor may also examine the child's eyes, to check for signs of brain swelling.

Tests may include:

• МРТ – тест, which uses magnetic waves, to make pictures of organs inside the body;
• Компьютерная томография головы – это вид рентгена, which uses computer, to make pictures of organs inside the body;
• ПЭТ-сканирование – тест, which determines the levels of metabolic activity by tracking radioactive sugar molecules;
• Артериография – тест, which uses X-rays, to make pictures of the blood vessels of the brain;
• Биопсия – отбор образцов тканей головного мозга для проверки на наличие раковых клеток. Samples can be selected with a fine needle, which is inserted into the brain or by the operation;

There are many different types of brain tumors. Type of brain tumor plays an important role in determining the method of treatment.

Treatment of brain tumors in a child

Treatment depends on the type of, the size and location of the tumor. It also depends on the general health of the child. Treatment can result in physical or mental limitations.

Medication

In some cases, your doctor may recommend, the child took medication:

• Кортикостероиды – чтобы уменьшить опухоль в мозге;
• Противосудорожные препараты – чтобы предотвратить приступы.

Operation

Surgical procedures include:

• Трепанация черепа – вскрытие черепа, to remove the tumor, or, if possible, most of the tumor;
• Шунт – имплантация длинной тонкой трубки в мозг, to divert fluid accumulates in the other body part.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy

Химиотерапия – использование лекарственных препаратов для уничтожения раковых клеток. The formulations may be provided in various forms, including tablets, injection, and catheter. The drugs enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body, killing mostly cancer, and also some healthy cells. The drug can also be injected directly into the cerebrospinal fluid, which enters the brain tissue.

Radiation therapy is used, to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. The procedure is most often used for the treatment of brain tumors. Irradiation may be carried out separately or together with chemotherapy.

Rehabilitation

Since the baby is still developing and, perhaps, I lost some skills, Rehabilitation is an important part of treatment. A team of specialists to recover may include:

• Physiotherapist, to help with walking, balance and restoring forces;
• An occupational therapist, occupational therapist, to help with life skills (eg, dressing, eating, toileting);
• Speech therapist, to help with the training of speech and other problems (eg, If you have difficulty swallowing).

The child can also work with the teacher, that will help him to return to school soon.

Preventing a brain tumor in a child

There are no methods to prevent a brain tumor in a child, because the reasons for its occurrence are uncertain.