Brain Tumours

Brain cancers account for 15% of pediatric cancers. Since the brain controls learning, memory, senses (hearing, visual, smell, taste, touch), emotions, muscles, organs, and blood vessels, the presentation of symptoms varies accordingly.

Treatment of pediatric brain cancers is more complex than is the treatment of some of the other cancers. Surgery to remove the tumor is not always possible because it may be inaccessible or because surgery would damage parts of the brain necessary for the functioning of the mind and/or body. Inoperable areas of the brain include: brain stem, thalamus, motor area, and deep areas of gray matter. Even a benign tumor in the brain can be life threatening. Another reason malignant brain tumors can be difficult to treat is because a blood-brain barrier exists which prevents some chemicals from entering the brain and reaching the tumor. Therefore, the prognosis depends not only on the type, grade, and size of the tumor, but on its location in the brain.

Brain Tumours are the most common Tumours of childhood and can appear at any age: about 300 children are affected each year in the U.K. Brain Tumours do not usually spread to other parts of the body, but can cause problems by invading the normal brain tissue that surrounds them.

What are Brain Tumours ?

Brain Tumours can develop in the different types of cells found in the brain. The cause of Brain Tumours is unknown.

The two types of brain Tumours that effect children are Gliomas and Medulloblastoma. Gliomas develop in the supporting cells of the brain( which hold the nerve cells in place ) and can be subdivided into two main types in children; Astrocytomas and Ependymomas .

What is an Astrocytoma ?

An Astrocytoma is a brain tumour made up of astrocytes. An Astrocyte is one type of brain Glial cell, and is shaped like a star. Glial cells are the most numerous calls in the brain. Their major function is to provide support, both physical and nutritional to the information carrying cells of the brain, the neurons. Abnormally multiplying astrocytes which form a mass within the brain are an Astrocytoma.

Astrocytomas, even the most aggressive, do not metastasize through the blood and lymphatic systems. In this sense they differ from cancers that arise in other organs in the body. Although Astrocytomas can behave in a "malignant" manner they should really be differentiated from true cancers that occur elsewhere in the body because these brain Glial Tumours do not metastasize.

Astrocytoma. Astrocytomas arise from brain cells which form part of the supportive system of the brain, in particular, cells called "astrocytes" for their star shaped appearance. These tumors are usually slow growing and many are considered "curable". Astrocytomas are often cystic, in which case they are particularly easy to remove completely.

Medical Facts Relating to Kieran's Illness

• The type of tumour Kieran has is known as a Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma.This type of tumour most frequently occurs in the Temporal Lobe of children and young adults. It tends to spread locally into the adjacent meninges. Seizures, Headaches, Vomiting and Blurred Vision are the most common symptoms. This Tumour is graded 1-2.

• Kieran's Tumour is situated in his right Temporal Lobe and is a Grade 2, Benign Tumour. Although this type of tumour is benign it does have aggressive cells within it. Kieran's symptoms were Headaches and Vomiting over a long period of time. On the run up to his illness being diagnosed he became very lethargic and unwell. As this type of illness is still very uncommon in children, it took the medical profession some months to realize that Kieran was suffering from a Brain Tumour.

• The Tumours location may determine its treatment. Complete surgical removal is sometimes possible for accessible Tumours, although these Tumours can be locally invasive. If total surgical removal is achieved, periodic follow up with MRI or CT scans might be the only additional care required. Radiation or Chemotherapy may be used in addition to surgery or for inoperable grade 2 Astrocytomas. Children younger than 3 years of age might receive chemotherapy so that radiation can be delayed.

• Kieran's Tumour was partly removed, but because of its location  only 50% was accessible. The other 50% was entwined with nerves and arteries and deemed inoperable. As it was only partly removed there was always the chance of it continuing to grow. This has been the case and was seen on a recent C.T. scan. As you will have seen on the updates, he has started to undergo Chemotherapy treatment, this will continue for approx 1 year with C.T. scans being taken at regular intervals to monitor the tumour growth or hopefully shrinkage. Radiotherapy may still become an option at a later date.

Kieran's Tumour is Situated in the Right Temporal Lobe

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