Do most kids survive brain tumors?
The short answer is that it depends on a variety of factors including type, location, and size of the tumor, as well as the age of the child and their overall health. While survival rates vary widely, it is overall encouraging that the majority of children diagnosed with brain tumors survive, with some even being cured.
The most common type of brain tumor in children is a low-grade glioma, which is often benign and typically grows slowly. Treatment usually includes surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible, followed by radiation and/or chemotherapy to kill any remaining tumor cells. Survival rates for this type of tumor are generally very good, with up to 80% to 90% of children surviving five years after diagnosis.
High-grade gliomas are more aggressive and grow quickly, making them more difficult to treat. Survival rates are lower, with about half of children surviving five years after diagnosis. However, treatments are improving, and survival rates are increasing.
Brainstem gliomas are the most difficult to treat. They are usually malignant, grow quickly, and are located in a difficult spot in the brain. Survival rates are lower, with only about 10% of children surviving five years after diagnosis. However, new treatments are being developed, and survival rates are improving.
Overall, most children diagnosed with a brain tumor have a good chance of surviving. However, it is important to note that survival rates vary widely depending on the type, location, and size of the tumor, as well as the age of the child and their overall health. It is important to talk to a doctor to get more information about the prognosis for a specific child and tumor.