There are two main types of astrocytomas in children: low-grade and high-grade. Low-grade astrocytomas have an indolent clinical course and make up approximately 20% of all brain tumors. WHO grade I tumors are relatively benign and usually occur in the optic nerve and chiasmal region. The classic neuroradiologic feature of a child with astrocytoma is a contrast medium-enhancing nodule within a cystic mass.
The primary treatment for a childhood astrocytoma is surgical resection. However, the surgeon will need to determine if the tumor is large enough to be removed surgically. Surgery is usually not an option for low-grade astrocytomas, as the location of the tumor may make it difficult to remove the entire tumor. Also, doctors may not be able to completely remove the tumour during the operation. In addition, a high-grade astrocytoma may spread outside the CNS, although this is rare.
The primary treatment for astrocytomas in childhood is surgery. Surgical removal of the tumour will remove as much of the tumour as possible. Unfortunately, surgery may not be possible for all cases, and it may result in the destruction of surrounding normal brain tissue. The surgeon will discuss alternative treatment options with you and your child. The surgeon’s job is to remove as much of the tumour as possible. If the tumour is in the brain stem, the surgery can lead to extensive damage to the surrounding healthy tissue.
In the majority of cases, children are diagnosed with astrocytomas in the brain during their first or second year of life. The type of astrocytoma can be treated using chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The type of chemotherapy or radiation that is used depends on the location of the astrocytoma, its size, and its location. In most cases, the cancer cell mutation occurs during the child’s somatic growth, which can be fatal.
Treatment for astrocytomas in childhood varies according to the type and location of the tumor. In children, surgery can be an option, but it is not always possible. Even if the surgeon can remove some of the tumour, the surgery may not be successful for some children. This is because radiation therapy can damage surrounding normal brain tissue, especially the brain stem. Astrocytomas in children are usually low-grade tumors.
Treatment for astrocytomas in childhood varies depending on the type of astrocytoma. Typically, 8 out of 10 astrocytomas in children are low-grade, which means that they look similar to normal brain cells. They are not likely to spread, but they may recur within 3 years. Several types of treatment are available, and your child’s doctor will discuss the most effective options for your child’s case.
Treatment for children with astrocytomas in childhood includes surgery and chemotherapy. The goal of the treatment is to remove as much of the tumour as possible and the patient must be in good physical and mental health to be considered a good candidate for surgery. The surgeon may also remove the tumour from the surrounding brain tissue. In some cases, the tumour can spread to the spinal cord, but it is not always possible. If the cancer is in the brain stem, the surgical procedure may damage the surrounding normal brain tissue.
