Embryonal tumors

Diagnosis

A study of the patient’s medical history and a discussion of the signs and symptoms normally come first in the diagnosing procedure. The following techniques and tests are used to identify embryonal tumors, however additional testing might be required to determine whether the malignancy has spread.

• Neurological examination: Vision, hearing, balance, coordination, and reflexes are assessed during this examination. This helps to determine the area of the brain that the tumor may affect.
• Imaging tests: The location and size of the brain tumor can be identified through the use of imaging tests. These tests are essential in determining whether the CSF channels are under pressure or blocked. Right away, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan may be performed. Brain tumors are frequently identified with these techniques. Advanced methods like magnetic resonance spectroscopy and perfusion MRI may also be used.
• Biopsy: A biopsy is usually performed during the surgical removal of the tumor. Although it can be suggested to do the biopsy before the surgery if the imaging findings are not typical for embryonal tumors. In a lab, the suspicious tissue sample is examined to identify the different cell types.
• Lumbar puncture: This technique, also known as a spinal tap, involves placing a needle between two lower back bones to drain the cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds the spinal cord. To check for tumor cells or other abnormalities. The fluid is then examined. Only after controlling the pressure in the brain or removing the tumor is this test performed.

Treatment

The patient’s age, the tumor’s nature and location, its grade and extent, and other factors all affect how the tumor is treated. Treatment may consist of:

• Surgery to reduce fluid accumulation: Some embryonal tumors may develop to obstruct cerebrospinal fluid flow, which may result in an accumulation of fluid that puts pressure on the brain (hydrocephalus). It might be advised to have surgery to establish a pathway for the fluid to exit the brain. This process can occasionally be used with tumor removal surgery.
• Surgical removal of the tumor: In order to preserve adjacent tissue, a pediatric neurosurgeon (brain surgeon) carefully removes as much of the tumor as possible. All kids with embryonal tumors should often have further therapies following surgery to focus on any cancerous cells that might have survived.
• Radiation therapy: The radiation therapy uses high-energy beams, such as X-rays or protons, to deliver radiation to the brain and spinal cord in order to kill cancer cells. Proton beam treatment is an alternative to standard radiation therapy that provides greater focused doses of radiation to brain tumors while avoiding radiation exposure to neighboring healthy tissue.
• Chemotherapy: Cancer cells are killed by medications used in chemotherapy. These medications are typically injected into a vein for children with embryonal tumors (intravenous chemotherapy). In some circumstances, chemotherapy may be prescribed together with radiation therapy or after surgery or radiation treatment.
• Clinical trials: Clinical trials involve testing new treatments, offering your child the opportunity to try the latest options available. It’s important to note that the potential risks and side effects of these treatments may not be fully understood yet. Consult a healthcare team member to determine if your child is eligible to participate in a clinical trial.

Children with embryonal tumors should be evaluated at a facility that has a team of pediatric specialists with experience and competence in treating pediatric brain tumors and access to the most up-to-date medical equipment and treatments for kids in order to assure proper diagnosis and treatment.