Although there are no known cures for astrocytomas, there are some treatments available for children with this condition. These include surgery and radiotherapy. Symptoms and treatment options vary from child to child and can differ greatly. Your child’s condition will depend on your child’s age, gender, and other factors. For example, a low-grade astrocytoma may not require immediate treatment, but you should be monitored closely for any changes.
Early diagnosis of astrocytomas is important because it’s the only way to ensure your child’s safety and quality of life. Generally, astrocytomas are found in children between the ages of two and six. While 8 of 10 astrocytomas are low-grade, this doesn’t mean that they don’t need treatment. Most are benign and will go away on their own. However, the high-grade ones are more dangerous and will require more aggressive treatment options. After an initial assessment, your child will be given a diagnosis and discuss the treatment options that are best for their condition.
The main treatment for astrocytomas is surgery, which is usually performed if the tumour is small and in a lower grade. It is important to note that surgery can’t always completely remove the tumour. For some tumors, the surgeon cannot remove all of it during surgery, which is why chemotherapy and radiation therapy are often used. If the tumour is in a high-grade location, it can be removed with a surgical procedure.
If you or your child has been diagnosed with astrocytoma, you should see your pediatrician as soon as possible. While treatment for astrocytomas in childhood is largely determined by the type of tumour, the prognosis depends on whether the tumor is high-grade or low-grade. Your doctor will advise you on a treatment plan depending on these factors. You will need ongoing follow-up care to monitor your child’s progress or recurrence. Your physician will discuss your options with you and will develop a treatment plan for you based on your child’s condition.
Astrocytomas in childhood can occur anywhere in the central nervous system. The location is determined by the type of cancer, and the tumor may have multiple locations. The location of an astrocytoma in childhood is largely dependent on its grade. If you have a high-grade astrocytoma, it is likely to spread through the subarachnoid space. If it’s high-grade, it’s likely to spread outside the CNS.
Despite the fact that astrocytomas in childhood are extremely rare, the majority of them are still treatable. The most common treatment for astrocytomas in children is surgery, which removes as much of the tumour as possible. This can be dangerous if it is in the brain stem, as the surgeon may not be able to remove all of it during the operation. Your child’s doctors will discuss other treatment options with you before recommending surgery.
