Brain Tumors in Children

Brain tumors in children sound very scary but at The University of Vermont Medical Center, our team of specialists is here to help. It's helpful to understand what brain tumors are and how they grow.

There are two main groups of tumors in the brain: primary and metastatic. Primary brain tumors grow when normal brain cells develop genetic mutations. Metastatic brain cancer occurs when cancer from somewhere else in the body moves to the brain.

Tumors in children are most frequently primary tumors; metastatic tumors are rare.

Brain Tumors in Children: What You Need to Know

Experienced, Trusted Expertise

If you've been referred to us, your pediatrician has told you that you need advanced medical care for your child. We know this is a scary time and we are here to provide you all the answers you and your family needs as you proceed with treatment.

The UVM Medical Center is a university hospital and health system, which means that your child's care is based on the latest research in the field of brain tumors. As a team, we make all diagnostic and treatment recommendations based on our experience treating thousands of other children, as well as research in the best treatments, both in cancer care and neurosurgery.

Teamwork

At the UVM Children's Hospital, a group of specialists that include pediatric oncologists, radiation oncologists, pediatric neurologists and other health professionals treat brain tumors in children. Our physicians and other support staff work together as a team, providing expert care.

Technology

Our team uses the latest technology and robotic surgery to treat brain tumors in children. You will benefit from our advanced facility that includes a nationally accredited non-invasive diagnostic laboratory, where we perform sophisticated imaging tests. Patients are often able to meet with a pediatric neurosurgeon and have an imaging study on the same day. We also offer microsurgery, laser surgery, computer-assisted surgery and image-guided therapies for removing complex tumors in the brain. Minimally invasive procedures shorten your child's recovery and reduce risk of complications.

Personalized Care

Every child and every family is different. You can expect that our team will respond to your family's needs differently and provide you the support and understanding you require during this difficult time.

Brain Tumors in Children: What Are They?

Brain tumors in children are caused by abnormal cell growth in the brain. There are many types of brain tumors. Diagnosis helps to determine the type of brain tumor and the best treatment for that type of brain tumor.

• Brain tumor symptoms include:
• Headache, which may happen with:
  • Double vision
  • Weakness
  • Numbness
• Changes in personality and behavior
• A gradual loss of feeling or movement in an arm or leg
• Other mental or functional problems
• Swelling of the head with fluid (hydrocephalus), which may lead to:
  • Headache
  • Vomiting
  • Blurred vision
  • Walking problems

The UVM Medical Center's physicians are highly trained in caring for brain tumors in children. Our knowledgeable pediatric neurosurgeons care for about 2,220 children annually.

Learn more about brain tumor diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors in children.

For more information call 802-847-4590.