Primitive neuroectodermal tumors, or PNETs, account for approximately 5% of pediatric brain tumors. They are a group of highly malignant tumors composed of small round cells of neuroectodermal origin that affect soft tissue and boneTypes:
A ganglioglioma, also called gangliocytomas or ganglioneuromas, arise in ganglia-type cells, which are nerve cells. They most commonly occur in the temporal lobe of the cerebral hemispheres, the third ventricle and less commonly in the spine. They are well-defined tumors with distinct...
The glioma tumor, although not exactly the same, is very similar to an astrocytoma brain tumor and the names are often used interchangeably. Please refer to our definition of astrocytomas for a detailed explanation of this tumor.
The choroid plexus is located within the ventricles of the brain and produces cerebral spinal fluid. A choroid plexus tumor arises in this location of the brain. They account for approximately 1-3% of pediatric brain tumors and are most common in infants.Types:
Optic pathway tumors involve the optic nerve, which sends messages from the eye to the brain. They are usually slow growing. The visual pathway and/or hypothalmus are often affected.Symptoms:
Medullablastomas are fast-growing tumors that form in brain cells in the cerebellum. The cerebellum is at the lower back part of the brain between thecereand the brain stem. The cerebellum controls movement, balance, and posture.
A glioma is a tumor that grows from glial cells, a supportive cell in the brain. Brain stem glioma grows specifically in the brain stem which is the part of the brain that controls many of the body’s basic functions, such as motor skills, sensory activity, coordination and walking, the...
A glioma is a tumor that grows from glial cells, which are supportive cells in the brain. Optic nerve gliomas grow specifically in the optic nerve which is the part of the brain that connects the eye to the visual center of the brain. Optic nerve glioma can effect one or both optic...
Germ cell tumors, also called germinomas, embroynal carcinomas, endodermal sinus tumors and teratoma, arise in the pineal or suprasellar region of the brain. They are most often diagnosed around the time of puberty and are more common in boys than girls.Symptoms:In the case of suprasellar...
Atypical teritoid/rhabdoid tumors (ATRT) are rare, high-grade tumors that occur most commonly in children under the age of 2. They can be found in any part of the brain and tend to be aggressive. They spread throughout the central nervous system.Symptoms:
Oligodendrogliomas occur in the oligodenrocytes, a type of supportive brain tissue. They are most commonly found in the cerebral lobes of the brain. They tend to occur in young and middle aged adults with a small population of children being diagnosed each year. Pure...
