Doctors will consider the child’s age when deciding on a treatment plan. Young children are not recommended for radiation therapy, because it can cause serious side effects. However, the tumor is usually diagnosed during surgery and will not necessarily need to be removed.
While symptoms of astrocytoma may not be present immediately, they may continue for months or years. The exact symptoms will depend on where the tumour is located in the brain. Among the most common symptoms is an increasing head circumference. This is measured during well-baby checkups by health care providers. In some cases, a soft spot on the top of the skull may also be swollen. If your child’s head circumference is increasing, you should take him to the GP as soon as possible.
Children with high-grade astrocytomas usually undergo surgery to remove the tumor entirely. These children have a better chance of a full recovery if the tumor is removed. The prognosis for these children depends on the age when the tumor was detected. The earlier the diagnosis is, the better the outcome. A pediatric oncologist will use a multidisciplinary team to decide on the most appropriate treatment. For example, a child with a low-grade astrocytoma may not need surgery, but may require biopsies for confirmation.
Astrocytomas in childhood can be treated with radiation and chemotherapy. The treatments will depend on the type of cancer and the stage of development. If the tumor is a low-grade one, it will not grow and will require no surgery. If it does, surgery may be indicated. If the astrocytoma in childhood is diagnosed in the early stages, a biopsy will be needed to detect any progression. The cancer in the brain will be carefully monitored over time and will require a follow-up treatment schedule.
The prognosis of astrocytomas in childhood depends on the type and location of the tumor. The best treatment for a child with an astrocytoma is based on the type and location of the tumor and the doctor’s experience. A high-grade astrocytoma will cause more severe symptoms than a low-grade one. It may require surgery, although it is not necessary.
There are several types of astrocytomas in children. The first is a low-grade astrocytoma that develops in the brain. The second type is a low-grade astroma. Fibrillary LGA accounts for about 15% of astrocytomas in children. It has a higher cellularity than normal brain parenchyma. It also does not show enhancement after contrast agent infusion.
The symptoms of an astrocytoma may last months before the diagnosis is made. In a young child, the head circumference will increase and the soft spot on top of the skull might become swollen. If these symptoms are severe, the child should see a doctor immediately. The cancer may have spread to other parts of the body. There are also other treatments available. For example, if the astrocytoma is in the brain stem, surgery will have to be repeated several times to remove all of the tumour.
