Brain Tumours can develop in the different types of cells found in the brain. The cause of Brain Tumours is unknown. The two types of brain Tumours that effect children are Gliomas and Medulloblastoma. An Astrocytoma is a brain tumour made up of astrocytes. An Astrocyte is one type of brain Glial cell, and is shaped like a star.
Glial cells are the most numerous calls in the brain.
Their major function is to provide support, both physical and nutritional to the information carrying cells of the brain, the neurons. Abnormally multiplying astrocytes which form a mass within the brain are an Astrocytoma. Astrocytomas, even the most aggressive, do not metastasize through the blood and lymphatic systems. In this sense they differ from cancers that arise in other organs in the body. Astrocytomas are often cystic, in which case they are particularly easy to remove completely.