The symptoms depend on their location in the brain, but typically the child experiences increased intracranial pressure. These tumors are fast growing and often malignant, with occasional spreading throughout the brain or spinal cord. A combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy is usually needed to control these tumors. Most persons with this type of brain tumor develop symptoms before the age of 20. Symptoms include headaches, as well as problems with vision.
Hormonal imbalances are common, including poor growth and short stature.
Symptoms of increased intracranial pressure may also be seen. Although these tumors are benign, they are hard to remove due to the sensitive brain structures that surround them. Many different tumors can arise near the pineal gland, a gland which helps control sleep and wake cycles. In addition, germ cell tumors, another form of malignant tumor, can be found in this area. Tumors in this region are more common in children than adults, and make up 3 to 8 percent of pediatric brain tumors.