Dr. Dhanish Parekh

Brain Tumors in Adults and Children

Brain tumors can occur in both adults and children, and while they share some similarities, there are key differences in their types, presentation, and treatment.

Adult Brain Tumors

Types

• Gliomas: Includes astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, and glioblastomas. Glioblastoma is the most aggressive.
• Meningiomas: Tumors arising from the meninges (protective layers around the brain).
• Pituitary Adenomas: Benign tumors of the pituitary gland that can affect hormone levels.
• Metastatic Tumors: Secondary tumors that originate from cancer elsewhere in the body.

Symptoms

Headaches, seizures, changes in vision, difficulty speaking, weakness or numbness, personality changes.

Diagnosis

MRI and CT scans are used to identify the tumor's location and type. A biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Surgery to remove the tumor, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, depending on the type and location of the tumor.

Paediatric Brain Tumors

Types

• Medulloblastomas Common in children, often located in the cerebellum.
• Astrocytomas Can be low-grade or high-grade, with pilocytic astrocytomas being common in children.
• Ependymomas Arise from the ependymal cells lining the ventricles.
• Brainstem Gliomas Affect the brainstem and can be particularly challenging to treat.

Symptoms

Headaches, nausea, vomiting (especially in the morning), balance problems, changes in behaviour, developmental delays, or seizures.

Diagnosis

Similar to adults, using MRI or CT scans. A biopsy may be necessary for definitive diagnosis.

Treatment

Often involves surgery, followed by radiation therapy and chemotherapy, especially for high-grade Tumors. The approach may be more conservative in very young children to avoid radiation exposure.

Prognosis

• Adults Varies significantly by tumor type and grade; glioblastomas tend to have a poorer prognosis compared to meningiomas.
• Children Generally, paediatric brain Tumors have a better overall prognosis compared to adults, especially with effective treatment, but outcomes can vary widely based on tumor type and location.

Summary

Brain Tumors in both adults and children present unique challenges, and understanding their specific characteristics is crucial for diagnosis and treatment. Early detection and a multidisciplinary approach to treatment can improve outcomes for both populations.