Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are the most common treatments. Both methods are effective for treating astrocytomas in children. Radiotherapy uses high-dose chemotherapy that targets cancer cells without harming healthy cells. The use of stem cell transplantation is an option for high-dose chemotherapy but may harm bone marrow. In such cases, stem cells are replaced during the procedure.
Surgical resection is the primary treatment for childhood low-grade astrocytoma, but its feasibility depends on the location of the tumor and the child’s age. Children with astrocytomas located in the optic chiasm or hypothalamus may not tolerate surgery. Biopsies are not recommended for these cases. Some types of pediatric astrocytomas, such as multifocal or diffuse, are less likely to respond to total resection.
Surgery is the main treatment for astrocytoma. Grade I tumors are often treated with surgery alone. Surgical removal of the tumor aims for a gross total resection. However, sometimes the tumor location and nearby structures make it impossible to remove the entire tumor. In these cases, chemotherapy may be administered in addition to surgery. In young children, chemotherapy may be administered in order to delay the need for radiation therapy.
Treatment options for astrocytomas in childhood vary. Depending on the type of tumor, the location, and whether the tumor has spread, doctors may suggest other treatments. Highly aggressive tumors will usually require more invasive treatments. In addition, the age of the child is considered, as younger children may not be able to handle the side effects of radiation. If your child has an astrocytoma, you should consult a medical professional for an evaluation.
A diagnosis of astrocytomas in childhood is based on an individual’s age and the location of the tumor. Typically, a child who has a tumor in the brain may need surgery to remove it. The most successful treatment for this type of pediatric astrocytoma is surgical resection. Patients with this type of cancer have an excellent prognosis if they have had the surgery.
In the most serious cases, astrocytomas in children will require surgical resection. If the tumor is located in the cerebellum, surgery is not an option. The patient may suffer from neurological damage as a result of the surgery. Fortunately, many childhood astrocytomas can be treated successfully. If diagnosed early, they can be removed and have an impact on the child’s life. These cancers are rare, but they can be deadly.
Whether an astrocytoma in childhood is benign or malignant depends on the specifics of the tumor. The type of the tumor will determine its location and whether it is aggressive. In most cases, treatment will depend on the extent of the tumor and the location of the cancer. Most of these astrocytomas in childhood can be treated surgically. It is important to seek treatment early, because the symptoms and prognosis of astrocytomas in childhood can vary greatly.
