Keterangan
Brain tumors in children are a diverse group of medical conditions characterized by the abnormal growth of cells in the brain or central nervous system. These tumors can vary widely in terms of location, size, and aggressiveness, and they pose unique challenges in pediatric medicine. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, and symptoms may include headaches, seizures, changes in behavior, and developmental issues. Multidisciplinary care, involving pediatric oncologists, neurosurgeons, and radiation oncologists, is essential for the best possible outcomes. Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination thereof, tailored to the specific type and stage of the tumor. Despite the challenges, advances in medical science have improved survival rates and quality of life for many children with brain tumors, highlighting the importance of early detection and comprehensive care.
Ringkasan
- Pediatric brain tumors are the second most common malignancy in children, following leukemias. They can be classified by location (supratentorial vs. infratentorial) or histological subtype (astrocytoma, ependymoma, medulloblastoma). Prognosis depends on age, histological subtype, and the extent of surgical resection.
- Infants and young children often present diagnostic challenges. Failure to thrive or an enlarging head circumference may be the only clues. Older children may exhibit recurrent morning headaches, new onset seizures, or loss of balance.
- Astrocytomas are the most common type of brain tumor in children, followed by medulloblastomas. Infratentorial tumors are more frequent in childhood, leading to raised intracranial pressure due to the confined space. MRI with gadolinium contrast is the standard neuroimaging evaluation.
- Overall survival for pediatric brain tumors has improved to around 70% due to improved imaging, multidisciplinary care, and molecular risk stratification. Gross total resection is crucial for improved outcomes, especially in posterior fossa tumors.
- Treatment modalities include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, depending on the tumor type. Low-grade gliomas may only require surgery, while other tumors need a combination of therapies. Advancements in radiation therapy, such as proton therapy, aim to minimize long-term side effects.
- Challenges remain in treating very young children, managing late effects, and reducing the time to diagnosis. Molecular pathways are increasingly targeted, leading to personalized treatments. Gamma knife radiosurgery is rarely used with currative intent in the pediatric population.
- Molecular risk stratification based on Sonic Hedgehog, Wnt, methylation abnormalities has led to treatment modifications in meduloblastomas. Targeted therapies such as B-RAF inhibitors are used in low grade astrocytomas with B-RAF mutations.
Contoh Sertifikat
Tentang Pembicara
Dr. Vasudha N R
Pediatric Oncologist Consultant at Rainbow Children's Hospital & BirthRight by Rainbow, Bangalore
Komentar
Komentar
Anda harus login untuk meninggalkan komentar.