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I D Cancer Center
I D Cancer Center
From Diagnosis to Victory

  • Childhood Brain Tumor

Childhood Brain Tumor Treatment | I D Cancer Center Lucknow

Expert Evaluation & Advanced Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Care at I D Cancer Center, Lucknow

Childhood brain tumors are among the most common solid tumors in children. They can affect different parts of the brain or spinal cord and may impact how a child sees, walks, learns, or interacts. Early diagnosis and timely treatment play a crucial role in achieving the best outcomes.

At I D Cancer Center, guided by
Dr. Sunil Kumar, M.B.B.S., M.D. (Radiation Oncology), HOD & Associate Professor, HIMS,
we provide comprehensive, compassionate, and advanced care to children with brain tumors, focusing on accurate diagnosis, multidisciplinary treatment, and long-term support for families.

What Are Childhood Brain Tumors?

Childhood brain tumors occur when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the brain or spinal cord. These tumors may be:

  • Benign (non-cancerous)

  • Malignant (cancerous)

  • Low-grade (slow-growing)

  • High-grade (fast-growing)

Common types include:

  • Medulloblastoma

  • Low-grade glioma

  • High-grade glioma

  • Ependymoma

  • Pontine glioma / DIPG

  • Craniopharyngioma

  • Germinoma and other germ cell tumors

Each tumor behaves differently and requires tailored care.

Common Symptoms of Childhood Brain Tumors

Symptoms depend on the tumor’s location and size. Watch for:

  • Persistent headache (especially in the morning)

  • Repeated vomiting without fever

  • Vision changes or double vision

  • Difficulty walking or balancing

  • Seizures

  • Weakness in limbs

  • Behavioral or personality changes

  • Poor school performance

  • Increased sleepiness or irritability

  • Head enlargement in infants

Early medical evaluation helps prevent complications and improves treatment success.

How Childhood Brain Tumors Are Diagnosed

I D Cancer Center follows a detailed, child-friendly diagnostic approach:

1. Neurological Examination

Checks coordination, reflexes, balance, and vision.

2. Brain Imaging

  • MRI brain with contrast (gold standard)

  • MRI spine (if tumor likely to spread)

  • CT scan (in emergency cases)

3. Tissue Diagnosis

  • Surgical biopsy

  • Excisional surgery (removal of tumor when possible)

4. Pathology & Molecular Testing

  • Tumor subtype identification

  • Genetic mutations (BRAF, H3K27M, MGMT, IDH, etc.)

  • Helps guide modern targeted therapy

5. Additional Tests

  • Blood tests

  • Hormone panel (pituitary/hypothalamic tumors)

  • Lumbar puncture (in selected tumors like medulloblastoma)

Treatment Options at I D Cancer Center

Treatment depends on age, tumor type, grade, and location. We follow international pediatric neuro-oncology protocols.

1. Neurosurgery

Goals include:

  • Maximum safe removal

  • Biopsy for diagnosis

  • Relieving pressure in the brain
    Performed by expert neurosurgeon partners.

2. Radiation Therapy

Modern pediatric-safe technologies at I D Cancer Center include:

  • IMRT / VMAT precision radiotherapy

  • IGRT for daily accuracy

  • SRS/SBRT for small or residual tumors

  • Craniospinal irradiation (CSI) — for medulloblastoma and germ cell tumors

  • Brainstem-safe and optic-nerve-sparing plans

We prioritize normal tissue protection to minimise long-term side effects.

3. Chemotherapy

Used for many pediatric brain tumors, especially:

  • Medulloblastoma

  • Ependymoma

  • High-grade gliomas

  • Germ cell tumors

  • Tumors where radiation must be delayed (very young children)

4. Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy

Based on tumor genetics:

  • BRAF inhibitors

  • MEK inhibitors

  • Immunotherapy in clinical-appropriate cases

5. Supportive & Rehabilitation Care

  • Physiotherapy

  • Speech & occupational therapy

  • Eye and hearing evaluations

  • Hormonal support

  • Psychological counselling

6. Long-term Follow-up

Essential for:

  • Monitoring tumor control

  • Growth & development

  • Learning abilities

  • Emotional well-being

Prognosis

Prognosis varies based on tumor type and stage, but outcomes have improved significantly due to:

  • Advanced neurosurgery

  • Molecular-guided therapy

  • Highly precise radiotherapy

  • Comprehensive rehabilitation services

Many children go on to lead healthy, fulfilling lives with the right treatment and follow-up.