CION Ameerpet
CION Pediatric Oncology · Hyderabad
Brain tumour treatment in children — surgery, radiation, chemo
Hearing that your child may have a brain tumour is one of the most frightening things a parent can face. You have questions, and you deserve clear answers — not rushed reassurances. At CION, every child's case is reviewed by a team of specialists who have seen these tumours before and plan every step together, for your child specifically.
- Tumor board for every child — medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists plan together before recommending anything
- Coordinated treatment — surgery, brain tumour chemo, and radiation planned as one coherent programme
- 45-minute consultations — no rushed decisions, every question answered, transparent costs
- Psycho-oncology & nutrition support — for your child and for you throughout the journey
Medically reviewed by the CION Pediatric Oncology Team · Last reviewed June 2026
17+
Cancer Specialists
on Panel
on Panel
96.9%
Breast Cancer
Survival Rate*
Survival Rate*
15,000+
Patients
Treated
Treated
4.8★
Google Rating
(800+ reviews)
(800+ reviews)
Understanding the Diagnosis
Types of brain tumours in children — and what each means
Brain tumours in children are not all alike. The tumour's type, location in the brain, and grade all shape what treatment is needed. Here is what the most common types mean in plain language.
Most common — low-grade
Low-grade astrocytoma
These slow-growing tumours arise from star-shaped support cells called astrocytes. The most common is the pilocytic astrocytoma, which typically grows in the cerebellum or optic pathway. When completely removed by pediatric brain tumour surgery, many children need no further treatment. Outcomes are generally very favourable.
Cerebellum · Common
Medulloblastoma
A fast-growing tumour that develops in the cerebellum — the part of the brain that controls balance and coordination. It is one of the most common malignant brain tumours in children. Treatment typically involves surgery to remove as much tumour as possible, followed by radiation to the brain and spine, and brain tumour chemo. The treatment plan depends on the child's age and tumour biology.
Fluid spaces · Variable grade
Ependymoma
Ependymomas arise from cells that line the fluid-filled cavities (ventricles) of the brain and the spinal canal. They can occur at any age in childhood. Surgery is the main treatment; how completely the tumour can be removed significantly affects what comes next. Radiation is often used after surgery. Some cases need chemotherapy as well.
Pituitary area · Benign but complex
Craniopharyngioma
Craniopharyngiomas are benign (non-cancerous) tumours that grow near the pituitary gland and the optic nerve. They can affect hormone production, vision, and weight regulation. Despite being benign, they can be challenging to treat because of their location. Management may involve surgery, radiation, or a combination, with careful attention to preserving hormonal and visual function.
Brainstem · Specialised
Brainstem glioma (DIPG / DMG)
Brainstem gliomas arise within the brainstem — the part of the brain that controls breathing, heart rate, and swallowing. Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG, now called diffuse midline glioma or DMG) is the most serious form. Because of its location, surgery is usually not possible. Radiation is the primary treatment, with chemotherapy used in some protocols. Research in this area is active and evolving.
Higher-grade · Aggressive
High-grade glioma (HGG)
High-grade gliomas in children grow more quickly than low-grade types and require more intensive treatment. Surgery aims to remove as much tumour as safely possible. This is typically followed by radiation and brain tumour chemo in a structured programme planned by the multidisciplinary team. Genetic testing of the tumour now guides which treatment protocols are most likely to help.
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Meet the Specialists
17+ senior cancer specialists. One panel for your case.
Trained at AIIMS, Tata Memorial, and leading international centres. Combined 150+ years of experience. Every complex case is reviewed by 3+ of them — together.
Medical Oncologist
Medical Oncologist
Dr. C. Raghavendra Reddy
MBBS(Gold Medal), DNB(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Gold Medal)
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Bharati Devi Gorantla
MBBS, MD(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Adyar,Chennai), ECMO, MRCP SCE(UK)
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Owais Mohammed
MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DrNB (Medical Oncology), ECMO, MRCP SCE (Medical Oncology) (UK)
Medical Oncologist
Medical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Muralidhar Muddusetty
MBBS (AIIMS), MS (Surgery) (AIIMS), DNB (Surgical Oncology), MRCS (Edinburgh)
Surgical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Vinay Mamidala
MBBS, MS(General Surgery), M.Ch(Surgical Oncology), FMAS, FARIS(Ongoing)
Surgical Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Hematologist
Interventional Radiologist
Dr. Mohammed Imran
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Vajja Sandeep Kumar
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DrNB (Surgical Oncology), FALS Oncology
Surgical Oncologist
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The Treatment Journey
How brain tumour treatment in children works — step by step
No two children's treatment plans are exactly alike. But the broad shape of the journey — from first evaluation through to follow-up — follows a structured path that your team will explain at every stage.
MRI scan and initial evaluation
If a brain tumour is suspected — usually because of persistent morning headaches, repeated vomiting, visual changes, balance problems, or other warning signs — the first step is a detailed MRI scan of the brain (and often the spine). An MRI gives the team a clear picture of where the tumour is, how large it is, and whether it has spread to the fluid around the brain and spine. This information shapes every decision that follows. A specialist radiologist reviews the images and reports to the oncology team. At this stage, no treatment is started — the team first needs to understand exactly what they are dealing with.
Neurosurgical consultation and biopsy or resection
Once the MRI is reviewed, the child is seen by a neurosurgeon who specialises in brain tumours. For most tumours, surgery serves two purposes: to obtain a tissue sample so the tumour can be precisely identified (biopsy), and — where it is safe to do so — to remove as much of the tumour as possible (resection). How much can be safely removed depends on the tumour's location and proximity to vital brain regions. The neurosurgery team will explain clearly what is planned, what the risks are, and what to expect after the operation. Pediatric brain tumour surgery is performed under general anaesthesia, and children are typically in hospital for several days to a week afterwards.
Pathology and molecular testing
The tissue removed during surgery is sent to a pathologist, who examines it under a microscope to confirm the tumour type and grade. In addition to standard microscopy, the sample is now routinely tested for specific genetic and molecular markers — such as IDH mutation status, 1p/19q co-deletion, BRAF alteration, and H3 K27M mutation in midline tumours. These markers are not just labels — they determine which treatment protocol the child should receive and, in some cases, which targeted therapies may be an option. This is why an accurate pathology report from a centre with the right laboratory capability matters so much at this stage.
Multidisciplinary tumor board review
Before any further treatment is recommended, every child's case is presented at CION's multidisciplinary tumor board. This means the medical oncologist, neurosurgical oncologist, radiation oncologist, pathologist, and radiologist all review the case together. The board considers the tumour type, grade, molecular profile, the child's age, and what was achieved at surgery — and agrees on a treatment plan as a team. Parents are then given a clear, written plan explaining what is recommended and why. No decision is made by a single doctor alone. This is the CION standard for every patient, not just for difficult cases.
Radiation therapy — when and how it is used
Radiation therapy uses precisely targeted beams of energy to destroy remaining tumour cells after surgery. For many paediatric brain tumours — including medulloblastoma and high-grade gliomas — radiation is a core part of the treatment programme. Modern radiation planning allows the beam to be shaped very precisely around the tumour, minimising the dose to surrounding healthy brain tissue. In children under three years old, the team will usually use chemotherapy first and delay radiation while the brain continues to develop. The radiation oncologist will explain the total dose, the number of sessions (which are given daily, Monday to Friday, usually over four to six weeks), and how your child will be positioned for each treatment session.
Chemotherapy — structured cycles with close monitoring
Brain tumour chemotherapy in children is used in combination with radiation for some tumour types, or as the primary medical treatment — particularly in younger children where radiation needs to be deferred. Chemotherapy is given in cycles: a period of treatment followed by a rest period, repeated over several months. It is administered as an intravenous infusion at the clinic, or in some regimens as oral tablets taken at home. Throughout the chemotherapy programme, your child will have regular blood tests and periodic scans to monitor the response to treatment and to check for side effects. The team will explain what side effects are expected with the specific regimen your child will receive, and how they will be managed.
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Post-treatment monitoring and follow-up
After active treatment ends, regular follow-up is essential. The schedule of follow-up MRI scans, blood tests, and clinical check-ups is designed to catch any sign of tumour return as early as possible, and to monitor for the late effects of treatment. Some children need endocrine (hormone) check-ups, neuropsychological assessment, or physiotherapy as part of their follow-up care. The CION team will give you a clear follow-up plan before your child's treatment ends, so you know what to expect and when to come back. You will also be given clear guidance on what signs to watch for at home and when to call the clinic.
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Common questions
Your questions about brain tumours in children — answered
How do I know if my child has a brain tumour?
Brain tumours in children rarely announce themselves with one dramatic sign. The most common pattern parents notice is a cluster of symptoms that keep returning — morning headaches (especially those that ease once the child gets up and moves), repeated vomiting first thing in the day without any stomach upset, a new squint or blurring of vision, unexplained clumsiness or changes in the way your child walks, personality changes, or unexplained tiredness and loss of school performance. In very young children, a head that is growing faster than expected can also be an early sign. None of these symptoms alone means a brain tumour — they each have many common and harmless explanations. But when several are present together, or when a child has persistent morning headaches and vomiting, a doctor's assessment and, if needed, an MRI scan is the right step. Please do not wait to see whether it passes.
What types of brain tumours occur in children?
The most common brain tumours in children are different from the ones adults typically develop. In children, the majority arise from the glial cells (support cells) of the brain and include astrocytomas (which range from low-grade, slow-growing tumours to higher-grade types), medulloblastomas (which originate in the cerebellum — the part of the brain responsible for balance and coordination), and ependymomas (which arise from cells lining the fluid spaces of the brain and spinal cord). Craniopharyngiomas are a type of benign but challenging tumour found near the pituitary gland, affecting hormones and vision. Brain stem gliomas affect the brainstem and require specialised management. The type, location, and grade of the tumour together determine what treatment the child needs — which is why a detailed MRI and sometimes a biopsy are essential before any treatment begins.
Is surgery always needed for a childhood brain tumour?
Not always — but surgery is often the first and most important step. For many tumours, removing as much of the tumour as safely possible (a procedure called surgical resection) is the single most important thing that can be done to improve outcomes. How much can be removed safely depends on where the tumour is and how close it sits to parts of the brain that control vital functions like speech, movement, or vision. Some tumours, particularly those in the brainstem or deep midline structures, cannot be safely removed and are managed with biopsy alone, followed by radiation and sometimes chemotherapy. For certain low-grade tumours, surgery alone may be curative without the need for further treatment. Your child's neurosurgeon and oncology team will explain exactly what is planned for your child's specific tumour location and type.
What does brain tumour chemotherapy involve for children?
Chemotherapy for a childhood brain tumour — also called pediatric brain tumor chemo — is typically used after surgery, often alongside or after radiation therapy, to treat any remaining tumour cells. In younger children (generally under three years), chemotherapy is often used as the first treatment after surgery to try to delay or avoid radiation therapy to the developing brain. The chemotherapy is given in cycles, with rest periods in between. It is administered at a cancer clinic either as an intravenous infusion or, in some cases, as oral tablets. The treatment team carefully monitors your child through each cycle with blood tests and scans. Side effects vary by the chemotherapy regimen used and your child's age and overall health — the team will discuss exactly what to expect and how to manage side effects before treatment begins. At CION, every child's treatment plan is discussed at a multidisciplinary tumor board.
Is radiation safe for children with brain tumours?
Radiation therapy is an important and sometimes necessary part of brain tumour treatment — but it is used thoughtfully, especially in younger children, because the developing brain is more sensitive to radiation than an adult brain. For children over three years old, radiation is often part of the standard treatment for certain tumour types such as medulloblastoma and higher-grade gliomas. When radiation is needed, modern techniques allow the beam to be focused very precisely on the tumour while sparing as much healthy brain tissue as possible. In children under three, the team will often use chemotherapy first to delay radiation while the brain continues to develop. The decision to use radiation, the total dose, and how it is delivered are made carefully by the entire multidisciplinary team, with your child's age, tumour type, and specific location all taken into account.
How does CION support families through a child's brain tumour treatment?
A child's brain tumour diagnosis affects the entire family — and at CION we recognise that. Every child's case is reviewed at our multidisciplinary tumor board, so the treatment plan reflects the combined expertise of a medical oncologist, surgical oncologist, and radiation oncologist, not just one doctor's opinion. Our consultations are 45 minutes — long enough to answer all your questions and explain every step clearly. You will always know what is being planned, why, and what to expect next. We also connect families with psycho-oncology support and nutritional guidance, because healing a child well means looking after the family around them. Costs are always transparent, and we will help you understand what is covered by insurance, CGHS, ECHS, or other schemes before treatment begins.
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