What are the most common brain tumours in children?

Brain tumours are the most common solid tumours of childhood. The types differ from those in adults. The most frequent include medulloblastoma (a fast-growing tumour of the cerebellum at the back of the brain), gliomas — especially low-grade pilocytic astrocytoma, which is often slow-growing and treatable — ependymoma, and tumours affecting the brainstem such as diffuse midline glioma. Each behaves very differently, which is why an exact diagnosis from imaging and, where needed, tissue and molecular testing matters so much before any treatment plan is made. You can read more about medulloblastoma on its dedicated page.

What are the warning signs of a brain tumour in a child?

Most childhood symptoms are caused by common, harmless illnesses — a brain tumour is rare. The signs that warrant prompt medical review are those that are new, persistent, and progressive: headaches that are worse in the morning or wake the child from sleep, often with repeated vomiting; a first-ever seizure; new clumsiness, unsteady walking, or a squint or crossed eyes; sudden changes in vision; or a change in behaviour, personality, or school performance. In babies, an unusually fast-growing head size can be a sign. Any of these developing and continuing over days or weeks should be checked by a doctor without delay.

How are childhood brain tumours diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a careful history and a neurological examination. If a tumour is suspected, an MRI of the brain (usually with contrast) is the key imaging test — it shows the location, size, and features of any growth. A CT scan may be used first in an emergency. Where a tissue diagnosis is needed, a biopsy or surgery provides a sample for histology and molecular testing, which increasingly guides modern paediatric treatment. At CION, imaging, molecular testing, and diagnosis are provided directly, and any neurosurgery is coordinated with accredited neurosurgical partners.

How are brain tumours in children treated?

Treatment depends entirely on the tumour type, its location, the child's age, and molecular findings. The main options are surgery to remove as much of the tumour as safely possible, radiation therapy, and systemic (chemotherapy) treatment — often used in combination. In very young children, teams work hard to delay or reduce radiation to protect the developing brain. Every child's plan is decided by a multidisciplinary team. At CION, childhood brain tumours are managed under our paediatric cancer service, with medical and radiation oncology delivered in-house and neurosurgery coordinated with accredited partners.

Can a childhood brain tumour be cured?

Outcomes for childhood brain tumours have improved substantially over recent decades, and many children go on to live full lives — but the outlook varies widely by tumour type, grade, location, and how completely it can be treated. Some low-grade tumours, such as pilocytic astrocytoma, can often be controlled or cured with surgery. Others are more challenging. Because ranges are so type-dependent, no single survival figure applies to all childhood brain tumours; your child's team, following NCCN and international paediatric protocols, will explain the realistic outlook for your child's specific diagnosis. We frame these conversations honestly and gently.

Does CION treat children, and where is childhood brain tumour care managed?

Childhood cancers, including brain tumours, are managed under CION's dedicated paediatric cancer service rather than on the adult pathway. CION delivers medical oncology, radiation therapy, imaging and diagnosis, molecular testing, and supportive care directly, while any neurosurgery is coordinated with accredited neurosurgical partners. Every case is reviewed by a multidisciplinary tumour board before a plan is finalised, and families receive a free 45-minute consultation and a free written second opinion. To understand the wider picture, explore the brain cancer and tumour hub or our brain tumour treatment page.