Most Common Types of Pediatric Brain Tumor Treatments

There are now more pediatric brain tumor treatment options available than ever before. It is helpful for parents to understand their treatment options so that they can make the best decisions possible about their child’s needs. This review discusses the various treatment options available to deal with pediatric brain tumors.

What are the different types of pediatric brain tumor treatments?

The most common types of pediatric brain tumor treatments are surgery to remove the tumor, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and proton therapy. The most appropriate therapy depends on a range of factors, such as the exact location of the tumor, the size, and the risks associated with each treatment option.

Surgery

While there are risks involved, brain surgery to remove the tumor is often the most ideal solution for dealing with childhood brain tumors. The goal is to remove as much of the tumor as possible; this can reduce the symptoms and minimize the long-term risks the tumor presents. In some cases, pediatric neurosurgeons are able to remove all of the tumor, particularly when the removal of the tumor does not pose a high risk of long-term complications. In other instances where the risks may be higher, the goal is to remove as much of the tumor as possible.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy is designed to shrink a pediatric brain tumor or, at the least, prevent it from continuing to grow. There are different types of radiation therapy that may be utilized depending on the location and size of the tumor. Radiation therapy is often recommended when surgery is not an option due to the location of the tumor. It may also be combined with surgery to kill any remaining cancerous cells.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy may be utilized along with both radiation therapy and surgery, as a replacement for radiation therapy, or entirely on its own. However, chemotherapy is generally not as effective for brain tumors as it is for cancer in other parts of the body. Therefore, chemotherapy is often recommended primarily for fast-growing cancerous tumors.

Proton therapy

Proton therapy is a type of radiation therapy that sends protons directly into cancerous cells. This is often used for pediatric brain tumors as it does not cause the same level of side effects as chemotherapy or have as many risks as surgery. When it is successful, proton therapy can slow the growth of tumors or possibly destroy them altogether.

How to choose the best option

A pediatric neurosurgeon can explain each treatment option for pediatric brain tumors in greater detail during a consultation. They understand the difficult choices parents have to make, and they are there to help them make informed decisions every step of the way.

Our pediatric neurosurgeon can help you find the best treatment

If your child has been diagnosed with a brain tumor that requires treatment and you want to learn more about your options, then call our team today. Our pediatric neurosurgeon can explain each treatment option and the associated risks to help you make informed decisions about your child’s treatment plan.

Get more information about Dr. William G. Loudon, Pediatric Neurosurgery in Orange at https://www.drloudonpediatricneurosurgery.com.

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