Research News
Genetic link to brain tumours found
Scientists have discovered a family of eight genes that are mutated in patients with medulloblastoma, the most common childhood brain cancer.
(March 13, 2009)
Resources
Books
Childhood Brain & Spinal Cord Tumors
This book, by Tania Shiminski-Maher, Patsy McGuire Cullen and Maria Sansalone, is the most complete parent guide available.
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Diagnosis of Diffuse Pontine Gliomas
How do you know that a child has a diffuse pontine glioma?
Doctors and other medical professionals will use well-established diagnostic tests to see if a brain tumour is causing your
child’s symptoms. These tests will include a physical examination, and brain scans such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
The diagnosis is usually made based on the signs and symptoms in your child, and on the results of the MRI study. When the
tumour looks typical on an MRI, a biopsy is not necessary. If the tumour looks unusual, a biopsy may be required. Although
a biopsy may be considered by some centres to help with diagnosis, surgery is not part of the treatment plan for this type
of tumour.
| Last Reviewed | Reviewed by |
| June 21, 2004 |
Eric Bouffet, MD, FRCPC
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