A brain tumor occurs when there is a genetic alteration in the normal cells in the brain. The alteration causes the cells to undergo a series of changes that result in a growing mass of abnormal cells. Primary brain tumors involve a growth that starts in the brain, rather than spreading to the brain from another part of the body. Brain tumors are the second most prevalent type of pediatric cancer.
Jules was diagnosed at 18 months with medulloblastoma - an aggressive, fast-growing brain tumor. After surgery to remove the tumor, he began chemotherapy. His course of treatment included spending four nights at a time at Dayton Children's - a total of 20 inpatient stays in the first give months of therapy alone. Recently Jules got to celebrate his "no mo chemo" party and is excited to go on dancing through life as the happy 2-year-old he is!
Jules was diagnosed at 18 months with medulloblastoma - an agressive, fast-growing brain tumor. After surgery to remove the tumor, he began chemotherapy. His course of treatment included spending four nights at a time at Dayton Children's - a total of 20 inpatient stays in the first give months of therapy alone. Recently Jules got to celebrate his "no mo chemo" party and is excited to go on dancing through life as the happy 2-year-old he is!
signs and symptoms
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Balance problems
- Vision, hearing and/or speech problems
- Frequent Vomiting
diagnosis and treatment
A complete medical exam and physical history is the first step in diagnosis, followed by a neurological exam and imaging test(s), including:
- MRI
- CT Scan
- X-Ray
- Angiogram
Treatment of a brain tumor varies by the type, size, and location. Possible treatment options include:
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Proton beam therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted drug therapy
Dayton Children's Difference
Your child is treated with latest and most effective cancer treatment protocols in the world and is cared for by an experienced team of cancer professionals in our new state-of-the-art cancer center.
Dayton Children's is a member of the Children's Oncology Group, a multi-center alliance with other leading pediatric cancer institutions, including Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Boston Children's Hospital. The Children's Oncology Group conducts studies designed to improve our understanding of childhood cancer, its treatment and its cure. This membership ensures your child receives access to the best protocols and clinical trials. Dayton Children's pediatric cancer patient outcomes are consistent with the superior results of other top pediatric cancer institutions.
Our team of cancer experts realize a cancer diagnosis is physically and emotionally draining for your child and your family. Therefore we design your child's care plan to be as effective and comfortable as possible. On your child's first visit, you and your child will meet the cancer team; doctor, nurses, and the nurse navigator. Your child will be cared for by the same doctor and cancer team throughout their treatment, all the way to survivorship. Our nurse navigator is readily available for your child's and your family's unique care needs, including scheduling appointments, preparations for hospital stays, tips for homecare, explanations of treatment protocols, and much mor
questions or concerns?
If you have additional questions, we're here for you. Fill out the form below and a member of our cancer team will get back to you.
