As always, a careful history and physical examination are the first steps in diagnosis. When a tumor is suspected, CT scanning without and with intravenous contrast enhancement is often performed. If it is possible, MRI scanning may give more information and is the preferred test. The specific treatment for a pediatric brain tumor depends on many factors. These include the type of tumor, the location of the tumor and the child's' clinical condition.
Surgery is frequently the first step.
The purpose of surgery is to confirm the diagnosis and to remove as much tumor as is safely possible. In some cases, a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt may need to be placed. Depending on the type of tumor, further treatment with radiation therapy and or chemotherapy may be necessary. This site is for informational purposes only. Read our disclaimer for more details.