Brain tumors (Pediatric)
Treatment

Specific treatment for brain tumors will be determined by your child’s physician based on:

Treatment may include (alone or in combination) the following methods:

Surgery – usually the first step in the treatment of brain tumors. The goal is to remove as much of the tumor as possible while maintaining neurological function. Surgery for a biopsy also is done to examine the types of cells the tumor is made of for a diagnosis. This is frequently done if the tumor is in an area with sensitive structures around it that may be injured during removal.
Chemotherapy.
Radiation therapy.
Steroids – to treat and prevent swelling especially in the brain.
Anti-seizure medication – to treat and prevent seizures associated with intracranial pressure.
Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (also called a VP shunt) – a VP shunt may be placed in the head to drain excess fluid from inside the brain. A VP shunt helps control the pressure inside the brain.

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Lumbar puncture/spinal tap – to test pressure in the central nervous system, to look for suspicious cells and to give medication if needed.
Bone marrow transplantation.
Supportive care – for the side effects of the tumor or treatment.
Rehabilitation – to regain lost motor skills and muscle strength; speech, physical, and occupational therapists may be involved in the healthcare team.
Antibiotics – to treat and prevent infections.
Continuous follow-up care – to manage disease, detect recurrence of the tumor and to manage late effects of treatment.

Brain tumors (Pediatric) topics