The type of astrocytoma and its location in the brain will determine the exact symptoms. Young infants, for instance, may have a swelling head circumference. The soft spot on top of the skull may also become swollen. Parents should contact their pediatrician if they notice any of these symptoms.
Children with low-grade astrocytomas often undergo surgery. This procedure removes as much of the tumour as possible. In some cases, the surgeon may be unable to completely remove the tumour during the surgery. In such cases, the doctor will discuss alternative treatment options with the child’s family. If surgery is not an option, a second round of steroids may be required. Regardless of the type of treatment, children with astrocytomas will continue to receive standard medical care until the cancer has gone away.
Most astrocytomas in children can be treated with surgery alone. However, this option is not ideal for all children. In these cases, chemotherapy is often added to the surgery. In very young children, radiation therapy may be delayed. The treatment for astrocytoma in childhood will depend on its stage and the location. It is important to note that the symptoms of astrocytoma in childhood can vary widely.
High-grade astrocytomas may spread to other locations. Sometimes, they may recur in the same place as the first tumor. But if they do, they may reappear elsewhere in the body. In such a case, surgery will be necessary. This is usually the only treatment for a childhood astrocytoma. There are several types of treatment for astrocytomas. You will need to discuss with your pediatrician which one is best suited for your child.
The main treatment for childhood astrocytomas is surgery. This is the most common form of treatment. In some cases, doctors may perform the surgery, but it may be difficult to remove the entire tumour during the operation. The surgical procedure may result in damage to the surrounding normal tissue. The main goal of this treatment is to remove as much of the tumour as possible. Some pediatric astrocytomas in children can cause permanent damage to the spinal cord, which means the doctor must perform a lot of tests to detect them.
A pediatric astrocytoma may occur anywhere in the CNS. These types of glial tumors typically occur above the tentorium of the cerebrum, and they may also spread through the subarachnoid space. They are rare, but should be closely monitored. They may need to undergo biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. While some children have a low-grade astrocytoma, the majority of them do not need immediate treatment.
