Types of paediatric brain tumour
What sort of brain tumours affect children?
Types of paediatric brain tumours
We know it can be overwhelming to be thrust into the medical world, with all its confusing terminology and job titles. It can sometimes feel that decisions are being made for you, by people who you have only just met.
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.
A brain tumour forms when cells grow uncontrollably in the brain or spinal cord, forming a mass. The tumours are usually named after the type of cell they develop from or the area of the brain they are growing in.
Primary brain tumours come from within the brain itself or within its protective lining. Secondary, or metastatic, brain tumours originate in other parts of the body and spread to the brain. Primary brain tumours can be either non-cancerous (non-malignant or benign) or cancerous (malignant), while secondary brain tumours are always cancerous.
The size of a brain tumour is not as critical as its location. A larger tumour might be readily accessible and therefore easier to remove, whereas a small tumour located in a critical area can pose significant challenges during treatment.
The course of treatment and the prognosis are influenced by various factors including the type of tumour, its specific location in the brain, whether it has spread, as well as your child’s age and overall health. Advances in medical science lead to ongoing developments in treatment options, so there may be several choices available at different stages.
What you need to know
Types of Tumour
There are more than 100 different types of brain tumour, but here is an overview of some paediatric brain tumours. Please click on the links to find out more information about a specific type. If your child’s brain tumour isn’t here, please get in touch with us.
Medulloblastoma
Medulloblastoma usually develops at the back of the brain in the cerebellum, which is the part of the brain controlling movement, balance and coordination. It is so named as the tumour is located near the medulla oblongata in the lower part of the brain stem. These tumours are fast-growing and can spread to other areas of the brain and spinal cord. They are most commonly diagnosed in children between the ages of three and eight years, and they’re more common in boys than girls.
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Astrocytoma
Astrocytomas develop from cells called astrocytes and can develop anywhere in the brain. They can vary from low grade (less aggressive) to high grade (more aggressive).
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Ependymoma
Ependymomas usually start from the ependymal cells that line the fluid-filled areas of the brain (ventricles) and the spinal cord. Ependymomas are most common in children under five years old and are more common in boys than in girls.
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Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Gliomas (DIPG)
Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) -also known as Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG) are rare and very aggressive (high grade). It typically affects children aged between five and nine. The tumour develops in the brainstem, which controls vital functions like breathing, blood pressure and heart rate. It is very challenging to treat and current treatment options are limited.
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Craniopharyngioma
Craniopharyngiomas usually grow near the base of the brain, just above the pituitary gland, which produces hormones in the body. They most commonly affect children aged between five and 14. They are non-cancerous and low-grade (not aggressive) meaning they do not spread to other parts of the body. However, they can cause vision problems due to their location near the optic nerve.
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Other types of Brain Tumour
Find out more about other less well-known tumours.
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Treatments for different types of paediatric brain tumour
The treatment of a brain tumour depends on whether it is cancerous or non-cancerous, as well as its size, grade, type, and location. Treatment options might include surgery, radiation therapy, radio-surgery, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy.
Your child’s healthcare team will tailor a plan that considers not only the medical aspects of their condition but also their overall health and personal preferences.
In some cases, immediate treatment might not be necessary. Small, non-cancerous types of paediatric brain tumour, that aren’t causing symptoms may only require regular monitoring with MRI scans to track any growth.
Monitoring and Deciding on Treatment
Your child’s medical multi-disciplinary team will talk to you about the best course of action for treatment, which may involve surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. It may even involve treatment being deferred.
Regular brain MRI scans can help keep track of any changes, allowing their medical team to intervene if growth accelerates or symptoms develop.
In these cases, the focus is on balancing effective treatment with maintaining quality of life, ensuring any necessary intervention happens at the right time. In other cases, preparing for treatment supports long-term recovery.
Prehabilitation: Preparing for Treatment
Being diagnosed with a brain tumour can feel overwhelming, but there are steps you can take to regain a sense of control. Prehabilitation, or prehab, focuses on improving physical and mental wellbeing before treatment begins.
Research shows that adopting healthy habits – such as eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, and prioritising mental health – can help people better manage treatment side-effects and support long-term recovery.
Preparing for treatment isn’t just about medical readiness; it’s about fostering resilience and a positive outlook for the journey ahead. That means for you as well as your child.
We support families going through this – please see our support and care information.
Resources for Families
What You Need to Know
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