Cells within the brain may multiply and grow into a lump or a tumour. The tumour may be localised, pressing on other parts of the brain and is described as benign. A malignant tumour may grow and invade the brain and is described as cancer. There are many different types of malignant and benign tumours in the brain, each one with different characteristics. The commonest brain tumours in children are gliomas and medulloblastomas (sometimes called PNET) although there are many others. In general these tumours do not spread to other organs outside the brain.

A large proportion of brain tumours in children are curable, but some are very aggressive and doctors are trying to improve survival by investigating new treatments in clinical trials. Children with brain tumours can have physical problems, learning difficulties and/or speech problems as well as a deficiency of hormones produced by the pituitary gland. Specialist centres have a paediatric neuro-oncology team with psychologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, play therapists, social workers, teachers and community nurses as well as doctors. They are there to help with rehabilitation and family support. Advice on growth and development is given by paediatric endocrinologists.

There are a number of specialist paediatric oncology centres each with a team of medical specialists including paediatric medical and radiation oncologists, neurosurgeons, paediatric neurologists and endocrinologists. These centres are designated as specialist centres by the Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group (formerly the UK Children's Cancer Study Group (UKCCSG)) which oversees paediatric oncology in UK.

Inheritance patterns
Brain tumours do not normally have a pattern of inheritance except where the tumour is associated with conditions such as Neurofibromatosis .

Prenatal diagnosis
None

Medical text written November 1995 by Dr M Brada, Professor of Clinical Oncology, Royal Marsden Hospital, Sutton, UK. Last updated November 2006 by Darren Hargrave, Consultant Paediatric Oncologist, Royal Marsden Hospital, Sutton, UK.

BRAIN TUMOUR ACTION

Brain Tumour Action
25 Ann Street
Edinburgh
EH4 1PL
Tel: 0131 466 3116 Befriender Line (Answerphone)
e-mail: chair@braintumouraction.org.uk
Web: http://www.braintumouraction.org.uk

Brain Tumour Action is a Scottish Charity No. SCO21490, established in 1993. It offers help and support to people living with a brain tumour and their carers. It has established a telephone befriending service and has support groups throughout the UK. Brain Tumour Action publishes a newsletter twice a year and an extensive range of information, details on request.

Group details last updated June 2007.

Brain Tumour UK
PO Box 27108
Edinburgh EH10 7WS
Tel: 0845 4500 386
e-mail: enquiries@braintumouruk.org.uk
Web: http://www.braintumouruk.org.uk

Group details last updated September 2007.

Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust
Century House
High Street
Hartley Wintney
Hook RG27 8NY
Tel: 0845 130 9733
Fax: 0845 130 9744
e-mail: patientinfo@sdbtt.co.uk
e-mail: enquiries@sdbtt.co.uk
Web: http://www.braintumourtrust.co.uk

Group details last updated October 2007.

An accredited/recognised specialist centre with the correct experts is a member of the UK Childrens Cancer Study Group (see entry Cancer), from where the addresses can be obtained. These addresses are also available from the Directory of Cancer Specialists published by the National Cancer Alliance (see entry Cancer).