Brain tumours are the most common solid tumours in childhood. The diagnosis is frightening, but many are treatable. Surgery is often the first step: it provides a diagnosis, removes as much of the tumour as can be removed safely, and relieves pressure. Many children also need treatment from a pediatric oncologist afterwards.
Who it may help
- Headaches that are getting worse, especially in the morning
- Vomiting with no fever or stomach illness
- Unsteadiness, clumsiness or a change in handwriting
- Blurred or double vision, or unusual eye movements
- Seizures with no earlier history
- Changes in behaviour, school performance or milestones
Conditions treated
- Medulloblastoma
- Pilocytic astrocytoma
- Ependymoma
- Craniopharyngioma
- Gliomas of different grades
- Selected brainstem tumours
- Choroid plexus tumours
- Germ cell tumours
Techniques used
- Microsurgical removal The tumour is removed under a microscope, taking only what can be taken safely.
- Neuronavigation A scan-based guidance system acts like a map to protect healthy brain.
- Endoscopic removal For selected tumours, through small openings.
- Monitoring during surgery Checks on movement, vision and speech pathways while operating.
- Fluid diversion A shunt or ETV when the tumour has blocked the normal flow of brain fluid.
Before the procedure
- MRI of the brain with contrast and of the spine, to look for spread
- Hormone and neurological assessment
- Pediatric anaesthesia review
- Review at a tumour board with a pediatric oncologist where possible
- Time to talk with the child and the family
Recovery: what to expect
- A hospital stay of about 4 to 7 days, depending on the tumour.
- Intensive-care observation in the first 24 to 48 hours.
- Physiotherapy and speech therapy as needed.
- Coordination with the oncologist if chemotherapy or radiotherapy is advised.
- Regular scans and a plan for returning to school.
These are typical timings. Your own plan depends on your condition, your general health and the operation chosen, and Dr. Chakraborty will go through it with you.
Risks to know about
Every operation carries risk. The ones most relevant here are:
- Bleeding, infection or brain swelling
- Temporary or lasting weakness, balance or speech problems, depending on the location
- Hydrocephalus needing a shunt
- The tumour not being fully removable or growing back
- Hormone problems with tumours near the pituitary
Your own risks depend on your health and your scans, and are explained in detail before you decide on anything.
Common questions
Is surgery safe in small children?
It is done with pediatric anaesthesia, careful monitoring and intensive-care support. The risks are discussed in detail beforehand.
Will my child need chemotherapy or radiotherapy?
It depends on the type of tumour. Some need only surgery and others need more treatment.
Can the tumour return?
Some types rarely return and others need long-term scans. The follow-up plan is set according to the tumour.
Will it affect development?
Many children do well with early rehabilitation. We aim to protect brain function during surgery.
This page is general information to help you prepare for a consultation. It is not medical advice and does not replace an examination. Every plan is made for the individual patient.