Doctors also consider the child’s age and general health. In very young children, radiation therapy is not recommended as it can have harmful side effects. After a diagnosis of astrocytoma, treatment may include chemotherapy or surgery.
Astrocytomas in childhood can be diagnosed early. It is important to have a clear picture of the symptoms, so that doctors can plan treatment accordingly. In children, low-grade astrocytomas often occur in the vision area and do not require surgery. If symptoms do not appear, a biopsy is usually not necessary. In children who have a family history of NF1, surgery is not usually required. The treatment for low-grade astrocytomas may not be successful, as they grow in the absence of any obvious symptoms.
There are several types of treatment for astrocytomas in childhood. Some are standard treatments, while others are experimental. MRI is the most common treatment option for childhood astrocytomas. However, surgery is not the best option for every child. If the tumour is located in the brain stem, the surgeon may not be able to remove it entirely. If this happens, the surgeon may have to use radiation, chemotherapy, or other procedures to remove the tumour.
Although astrocytomas in childhood are relatively rare, they are common in children. The symptoms of an astrocytoma may be mild at first, but the condition could progress over a period of years. This disease may recur at the same site as the original tumor, or it may spread to other parts of the brain or spinal leptomeninges. During this time, doctors will perform surveillance imaging to determine if the child has a recurrent tumour. If the child has a relapsed low-grade diffuse fibrillary astrocytoma, the surgeon will remove a portion of the tumour from the brain stem and the tumor may transform into a higher grade tumour. If this occurs, patients will undergo targeted therapy such as chemotherapy to reduce the risk of relapse.
When an astrocytoma returns, the treatment for the tumor is different from the one used initially. In some cases, the tumor has spread to other parts of the brain, and the surgeon will need to reoperate to remove it. Another treatment for astrocytomas in childhood is chemotherapy. A child who has undergone radiation therapy may be offered chemotherapy instead of radiotherapy. It is possible for the patient to undergo multiple treatments for astrocytomas in childhood.
The treatment for an astrocytoma in children is based on the type of tumor and the type of treatment used. Depending on the type of astrocytoma, the patient may need recurrent follow-up. Following treatments for astrocytoma in childhood can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. If the diagnosis is made during the recurrence stage, surgery will be necessary.
During the early stages of the disease, the treatment options for an astrocytoma are limited. In more advanced cases, the treatment can include radiation therapy or chemotherapy. It is important to seek out a specialist in early stages. Your doctor will also discuss any alternative treatment options you may have. The choice of astrocytoma in childhood should be based on the severity of the condition. Your doctor will discuss the best method of treatment for your child.
