Children & families · Conditions

Brain tumours in children: an overview

An introduction to childhood brain tumours. Treatment is planned with paediatric oncologists and the multidisciplinary tumour board.

What is it?

Brain tumours are the most common solid tumours in children. They are growths in or around the brain and differ from those in adults; many types are treatable, and some are benign. This page gives an overview; separate pages cover posterior fossa tumours, brainstem tumours, craniopharyngioma, pineal region tumours and spinal cord tumours.

What symptoms can it cause?

Symptoms vary with the position of the tumour and may include headaches (often in the morning), vomiting, balance problems, changes in vision or eye movements, seizures, weakness, early or delayed puberty, or changes in behaviour or school performance. In babies, the head may grow quickly.

How is it assessed?

An MRI scan shows the tumour. Your child's case is discussed at a multidisciplinary tumour board with paediatric oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and radiation oncologists.

What are the treatment options?

Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or careful observation, depending on the type and position of the tumour. The tumour tissue is examined, including molecular tests, which guide treatment.

When might surgery be considered?

Surgery is often used to obtain a diagnosis and to remove as much tumour as can be removed safely. Where appropriate, techniques such as intraoperative neuromonitoring, fluorescence (5-ALA) guided resection and, for selected older children, awake surgery are used.

What to expect from recovery and follow-up

Your child will be cared for in hospital and then followed up by the neurosurgery and oncology teams, with regular scans. Support for schooling, development and hormone function is part of long-term care.

When to seek urgent help

If your child is very drowsy, difficult to wake, has a seizure, repeated vomiting or a severe headache, go to the nearest emergency unit or call 10177. If your child is under our care, also call the hospital switchboard and ask for Dr Labuschagne (Netcare Unitas Hospital 012 677 8000; Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital 010 133 0600).

Dr Labuschagne's publications on this topic

Consent forms to read in advance

If surgery is recommended, you are welcome to read the relevant form before your consultation. Dr Labuschagne will go through it and sign it with you at the consultation.

All consent forms

This page is general information for parents and caregivers. Your child's doctor will advise on what applies to your child.

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