The primary treatment for childhood astrocytomas is surgery. The goal of surgery is to remove as much of the tumour as possible, but this is not always possible. Children with tumours located in the brain stem may have complications after surgery because the surrounding brain tissue may be damaged. A second form of treatment is chemotherapy, which is more invasive than surgery. In some cases, your child’s condition may require a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
The treatment of childhood astrocytomas depends on several factors, including the location of the tumor, the grade, and the type of the tumor. The location of the tumor and the duration between treatment are also important factors. The age of the child is an important consideration, as age and gender can greatly affect the severity of the symptoms. If the diagnosis is made too late, the child may experience a recurrence.
The main treatment for astrocytomas is surgery. In case of grade I tumors, surgery alone may be enough to eliminate the tumor. However, there are other cases when surgical removal is not an option. A grade II or higher astrocytoma may require radiation therapy or chemotherapy. In such cases, the surgeon will treat the child with a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Sometimes, a young child may not be able to undergo surgery because of the presence of nearby structures or its location.
In cases where the tumor has spread to the brain, the treatment for the child may depend on the location. The symptoms associated with astrocytomas vary widely depending on the age of the child. Typically, 8 out of 10 astrocytomas are low grade, meaning they look like normal cells and tend to grow slowly. A low-grade astrocytoma is benign and does not cause symptoms. It is not likely to spread. The treatment for high grade astrocytomas varies widely, and your child’s specific case may require a different treatment.
If you suspect your child has an astrocytoma, you will need to schedule a consult with your child’s physician to determine the best treatment for your child’s condition. Treatment for astrocytomas in childhood can vary depending on the type of tumor and your child’s age. The symptom-related features of this disease will depend on the type of astrocytoma. There are different types of astrocytomas, and your physician will decide which one is best for your child.
Because astrocytoma can affect the growth of the eye, your child’s diagnosis will be based on the location of the tumor. While astrocytomas can be life-threatening, they are typically not life-threatening. While a child’s symptoms may vary, astrocytomas in childhood can be treated with surgery. Your pediatrician will determine if a biopsy is required. The cancer will likely be removed if surgery is not indicated.
