CNS Tumours

Question 1

What is the second most common cancer in childhood?

Answer 1

CNS tumours

Question 2

Where do most paediatric CNS tumours arise from?

Answer 2

Cerebellum (60%)

Question 3

What are the three main types of CNS tumours and where do they arise from?

Answer 3

1. Gliomas - glial cells in the brain or spinal cord
2. Embryonal tumours (medulloblastomas) - cerebellum
3. Craniopharyngiomas - remnants of Rathke’s pouch

Question 4

What is the largest subgroup of gliomas?

Answer 4

Astrocytomas - mostly low grade diagnosed throughout childhood, high survival rate.

Question 5

What are the general clinical features of CNS tumours?

Answer 5

1. Vomiting
2. Morning headache in >5 years/irritability in <5 years
3. Abnormal gait, balance and/or coordination
4. Behavioural change, lethargy, seizures
5. Abnormal eye movement or squint
6. Blurry/double vision - papilloedema on fundoscopy
7. Increasing head circumference in <18 months
8. Developmental delay/deterioration in school work