Brain tumors are neoplastic growths originating in the brain and, less often, the spinal cord.

Many different types of brain tumors arise in children, and the specific type and location of a tumor greatly influences its effects on brain function and approaches to treatment. Surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are the principal treatments for brain tumors. New safer and more effective treatments are needed since the current treatment modalities, particularly radiation therapy, can cause significant injury to the developing brain. Brain tumors are a major cause of neurologic disability in children and malignant brain tumors are the most common cause of cancer-related death in children.

Examples, Subsets and Synonyms for Brain Tumors:

  • Glioma
  • Glioblastoma
  • Astrocytoma
  • Ependymoma
  • Medulloblastoma