Children with astrocytomas may also have a noticeable increase in head size. The earliest sign of astrocytoma in childhood is a rising head circumference, which is often detected during a well-baby check-up.
Most cases of childhood astrocytomas are irradiated. During the first 18 months of life, approximately 10% of a child will develop a neoplasm. However, sporadic pilocytic astrocytomas are more responsive to treatment. In these cases, the tumours can be excised, although careful attention must be paid to avoid damaging surrounding healthy brain tissue. In most instances, a multidisciplinary team of pediatric cancer specialists should manage the astrocytoma in childhood.
The diagnosis of astrocytomas in children is based on a population-based study. The results are similar for children with different ages and stages of development, but they differ a bit. The findings of a population-based study are helpful for determining the most appropriate treatment. PDQ, the NCI’s comprehensive cancer database, provides comprehensive information on childhood astrocytomas and provides peer-reviewed, evidence-based information.
In this population-based study of astrocytomas in childhood, researchers looked at the prognosis of patients with this cancer type. Compared with a population-based study, a child with a pleomorphic astrocytoma is twice as likely to survive than a child with a normal brain. In addition, there are no differences in survival between a healthy child and a patient with a rare childhood astrocytoma.
The treatment of astrocytomas in childhood is based on the type of tumor, the location, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. Low-grade astrocytomas in children are often benign and do not need surgery. They can be treated at home with conservative methods. The main treatment of astrocytomas in childhood, however, is surgery. This treatment is often performed after an initial biopsy to remove the tumour.
After a diagnosis of astrocytomas in childhood, a child may need to undergo radiation treatment. The radiation therapy can reduce the size and spread of the tumor and is often accompanied by chemotherapy. If the cancer is already advanced, treatment may be based on how it has spread to the other parts of the brain. In some cases, chemotherapy is the only option. Some children may not experience any symptoms at all. Depending on the grade and location, astrocytomas in childhood may present with no symptoms.
While astrocytomas in children are very rare, they should not be ignored. The best treatment for a childhood astrocytoma will depend on its location and its growth rate. In children, astrocytomas are typically low-grade tumors. The best treatment for an astrocytoma in childhood is surgery. While there are several options for this treatment, the best option depends on the child’s needs and the severity of the tumor.
