Pediatric Brain Tumors

These tumors strike children aged 0-19 at 6.23 per 100,000 yearly, peaking at 5-9 years; gliomas comprise 51%, embryonal tumors 12%, with higher rates in females and non-Hispanics. In 2023, ~5,260 U.S. cases expected, causing 539 deaths.?

Common Types

Pilocytic astrocytoma leads (18%), followed by medulloblastoma, ependymoma, DIPG, and ATRT; 60% occur in posterior fossa, differing from adult patterns. High-grade gliomas and brainstem tumors pose worst prognoses.?

Symptoms and Treatment

Headaches, vomiting, balance issues, seizures signal growth; MRI, biopsy confirm diagnosis. Multimodal care—surgery, chemo, radiation, proton therapy—yields 70-90% survival for low-grade, lower for malignant. Research advances molecular therapies.