Grades of brain tumours

Not all tumours are the same

What do brain tumour ‘grades’ mean?

When your child is diagnosed with a brain tumour, it’s natural for parents to fear the worst.

But remember that not all tumours are the same, and your child’s treatment will depend on a lot of factors.

One important thing to understand is the ‘grade’ of the tumour, which is how doctors describe how aggressive the tumour may be.

Useful Information about

Brain Tumour Grades

Brain tumours are classified into different grades based on how the cells look when examined under a microscope. The grades help doctors understand how fast the tumour may grow, and how likely it is to spread to other parts of the brain or body.

Low-grade (Grade 1 and 2) tumours

Low-grade tumours are generally slow-growing, non-malignant and less aggressive. Grade 1 tumours have cells that closely resemble normal brain cells, while Grade 2 tumours have slightly more abnormal cells but still tend to grow slowly. These tumours are less likely to spread to other parts of the brain or body.

High-grade (Grade 3 and 4) tumours

High-grade tumours are known as malignant, are more aggressive and tend to grow faster. Grade 3 tumours have cells that appear more abnormal, and Grade 4 tumours have the most abnormal cells. These tumours are more likely to spread to nearby brain tissue or other areas of the brain or spinal cord.

The specific grades may vary depending on the type of brain tumour your child has. Gliomas can range from grade 1 to 4, ependymomas from grades 1 to 3. All medulloblastoma tumours are considered grade 4.

How does the doctor know which grade my child’s tumour is?

To determine the grade, a specialist called a pathologist examines a sample of the tumour. This sample will have come from your child’s biopsy or surgery. The pathologist will study the tumour cells under a microscope to identify their characteristics and work out its grade.

The grade of the tumour provides essential information for developing an appropriate and personalised treatment plan for your child. For low-grade tumours, treatment options may include surgery or observation. High-grade tumours may require more aggressive treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy to remove or control the tumour. Your child’s treatment plan will be created especially for them, their particular type of tumour and its position in the brain.

Along with the grades of brain tumours, it is also important to understand the type of brain tumour. A basic understanding of the different types of brain tumours can be crucial in making the best possible decisions for your child. It can also give you more confidence when talking to medical staff. To learn more about the different types of tumour please check out this page here.

‘Benign’ or malignant – what does this mean?

Doctors may use these terms to refer to your child’s tumour. Your specialist may describe a low-grade tumour as non-malignant or benign, which means it is non-cancerous. These types of tumours tend to grow slowly, and are less likely to spread to other parts of the brain or spinal cord. The term ‘benign’ is used less often as it can be misleading. Despite not being cancerous, these tumours can still cause issues as they can put pressure on the brain, spinal cord or optic nerve.

A high-grade tumour can also be called a malignant tumour. This is cancerous, and its cells appear very abnormal under a microscope. These types of tumours are more aggressive and can spread to other parts of the brain and spinal cord. These often require radiotherapy or chemotherapy for treatment.

How we help

AWARENESS

Raising Awareness: We’re passionate about spreading awareness. Our efforts extend to schools, colleges, and businesses, where we engage in assemblies and workshops. By working closely with such places, we ensure that paediatric brain tumours are understood, recognised, and acknowledged by the people they could affect.

Signs and Symptoms: We’re reaching out to schools, parents, and communities to provide easily accessible knowledge that helps individuals to identify signs and symptoms to aid early diagnosis.

Collaboration with Other Charities: Our mission is bolstered by collaboration. We work hand in hand with other brain tumour and childhood cancer charities, pooling resources and expertise to maximise our collective impact. Together, we’re a formidable force for change.

How we help

Support & Care

Family Support Packages: Our family vouchers have included funded physiotherapy sessions and mental health support. We aim to tailor our provision to your needs

Advice: We’re here to be a constant pillar of strength. We provide a safe space to share experiences, challenges, and triumphs. We understand the emotional journey and families find solace in knowing they’re not alone.

Information pages: Our extensive information pages help guide families through complex decisions related to diagnosis, treatment and beyond. We’re here to ensure that every family is equipped with the information they need to make the best choices for their child.

Communication Support: We understand that clear communication is key. We assist families in navigating conversations with healthcare professionals, ensuring they’re empowered to ask questions and fully understand the medical aspects of their child’s journey.

Connecting Families: We foster connections by bringing families in similar situations together. This shared understanding creates a strong support system where experiences are shared, advice is given, and bonds are formed.

Booster Boxes: Our thoughtfully-chosen individualised Booster Boxes are available for children affected and their siblings. Filled with goodies, these boxes provide a little cheer during challenging times.