Pediatric brain tumors: overview

The brain and spinal cord form the central nervous system (CNS). CNS tumors may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). However, even benign tumors in the CNS can cause serious problems and lead to death. Children have tumors of the brain and spinal cord – the second most common type of cancer after leukemia. In approximately 20% of cases, tumors in children begin in the brain or spinal cord. In Israel, about 4,100 new cases of CNS tumors are detected annually. Brain and spinal cord tumors are the leading cause of cancer death in children.

About half of brain tumors in children are gliomas or astrocytomas. They are formed from glial cells that make up the supporting tissue of the brain. The most common malignant brain tumor in children is medulloblastoma. This cancer forms in the cerebellum, in the back of the brain in an area known as the posterior fossa.

Symptoms of the disease

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should see your doctor: 

• Headaches, especially in the morning; 
• Nausea and vomiting, especially in the morning; 
• Vision problems; 
• Problems with speech or hearing; 
• Loss of balance, problems with coordination, or difficulty walking; 
• Weakness in your arms or legs; 
• Seizures;
• Feeling tired or change in activity level; 
• Unexplained weight change (gain or loss);
• Thinking or memory problems; 
• Weakness, numbness, tingling, or changes in sensitivity (hands or feet, or both) on one side of the body; 
• Chronic back pain (with spinal cord tumors); 
• Scoliosis (for spinal cord tumors).

A qualified specialist will conduct the necessary research and select the optimal therapy regimen, taking into account the characteristics of the development of the disease and the general condition of the patient.

The diseases that we treat

The leading Israeli clinic Tel Aviv Medical Clinic employs real professionals who have been engaged in the detection and treatment of brain tumor diseases in children for more than 10 years. Our doctors have a wealth of practical experience and knowledge. The wards of the department are equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay of patients. The clinic has established rates at the state level. Thus, you get quality services for which you pay less. Our medical staff will help you contact charities if needed.

Our experienced specialists manage to help patients cope with the following diseases: 

• glioma; 
• glioblastoma multiforme; 
• swelling of the posterior cranial fossa; 
• medulloblastoma; 
• pilocytic astrocytoma; 
• ependymoma; 
• brainstem glioma;
• metastatic lesions.