Children may need surgery or ongoing observation for changes. In some cases, radiation therapy may be used to treat the cancer. This form of therapy uses radio waves and a magnet to create detailed images of the brain. The doctor will make a schedule of visits based on each patient’s needs. Patients who are diagnosed with childhood astrocytomas usually require radiation treatment for a few months.
Surgical treatment is the most common form of treatment for astrocytomas in childhood. If the tumor is of grade I, it can be removed through surgery. However, the tumor may be too close to other brain structures to allow complete resection. In such cases, chemotherapy may be used in addition to surgery. In young children, chemotherapy may delay the need for radiation therapy. The main goal of treatment for pediatric astrocytomas is to prevent or postpone the need for resection.
Symptoms of childhood astrocytomas include a headache in the morning, problems with walking, and loss of balance. In some children, it is difficult to distinguish between the two. If a child has a headache that does not go away on its own, he or she might have an extraventricular neurocytoma. The prognosis for both types of childhood astrocytomas is favorable. If the tumor is confined to one area, it may be removed completely. During surgical treatment, the tumor may spread to other areas of the CNS, including lungs, liver, and liver. It is possible for the tumor to be multifocal, but this is rare.
Children with an astrocytoma often experience a variety of symptoms. Some symptoms include a severe headache in the morning and difficulty walking, an increase in head size, and difficulty with balance. Physical examinations and health histories will help determine a diagnosis. The patient may also have a history of illnesses. These symptoms may indicate astrocytoma. Once diagnosed, treatment will depend on the location and grade of the tumor.
Some children may have astrocytomas in their brain. While this condition is rare, doctors can use surgery and other forms of treatment for astrocytomas. It is important to consult a second oncologist when the tumor has spread to the brain. Although treatment for astrocytomas in children is often the first option, it may be necessary for the patient to undergo a number of tests. Depending on the location of the astrocytoma, there are many treatments that are available.
The treatment of astrocytomas depends on the type of tumor and the location of the disease. Sometimes, the treatment for astrocytomas in childhood may require a cerebrospinal fluid diversion procedure. Some patients with an astrocytoma may enter clinical trials before or after cancer treatment. This can be done before, during, or after the treatment. This type of treatment has many side effects, so it is important to be prepared for them.
Some children experience symptoms for months or even years before a diagnosis can be made. The most common symptoms include swelling of the head and/or increasing head circumference. If a child’s head is swollen, it may be an astrocytoma. If you’re concerned about the growth of your child, it is best to visit a GP. Astrocytoma can affect the development of your baby.
