Brain Tumour

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What is Brain Tumour?

Brain tumours are responsible for as much as 20% of childhood cancers. Most tumors arising within the brain start in brain cells called astrocytes, resulting in astrocytomas.

Who gets Brain Tumour?

Astrocytomas are the most common type of brain tumour occurring in children less than 15 years of age. They are most common between the ages of 5 and 9 years.

Predisposing Factors

In general, this brain tumour occur with equal frequency in males and females. There does not appear to be significant variation between ethnic groups. The majority of cases occur in children under the age of 10 years. Research has not identified significant links between parental and environmental exposures and the risk of future development of this type of brain tumour.

Progression

The term astrocytoma refers to a number of brain tumours that differ according to structure, location and behaviour. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has categorised astrocytomas as being grade I-IV.

Astrocytomas of grade I-II are considered low grade and often carry a better outlook, whilst grades III-IV are considered high grade.

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