Childhood Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors

Childhood brain and spinal cord tumors are any abnormal cellular growths within the brain and spinal cord; while some are malignant (meaning they can spread into progressively worsening stages of cancer), others are benign, which grow in place without spreading. Regardless of whether a brain or spinal tumor is malignant or benign, however, almost all require treatment due to their sensitive locations—even a benign brain tumor can cause neurological symptoms.

As the most common cancer in children after leukemias, there are more than 4,000 annual cases of childhood brain and spinal cord tumors in the United States. Due to the sensitivity of children’s developing brains and nervous systems, these tumors are often treated differently than they otherwise would be in adults.

Childhood Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors Treatment Overview (PDQ®)

Source: National Cancer Institute