What is a benign pediatric brain tumor?
Pediatric brain tumors are classified into one of two categories: benign or malignant. A benign pediatric brain tumor is a childhood tumor that grows very slowly. Benign tumors usually have distinct borders. They rarely spread. Under a microscope, the cells of a benign tumor look almost like normal cells. Benign tumors do not contain cancer cells. Very rarely, benign tumors can become malignant. How are benign pediatric brain tumors treated? If the tumor is in a section of the brain that can be accessed with surgery, pediatric brain tumor resection alone is often an effective treatment for benign pediatric brain tumors. Benign tumors usually do not grow back once they are removed. If these tumors are benign, why do they need to be removed? Benign tumors can put pressure on sensitive areas of the brain, causing permanent damage. If a benign tumor is located in a vital area of the brain, it can be life threatening. Why Le Bonheur? Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center, in conjunction with
