Staging

Staging is a process that tells a doctor if the cancer has spread, and if it has, how far. In childhood brain tumors, there is no standard staging system, so plans for treatment are dependent on several factors. Although brain tumors can spread throughout the brain and central nervous system, they rarely spread to other parts of the body. Brain tumors are designated as M0 (if the tumor is localized in a part of the brain). Further staging is designated as M1 to M4, where M1 designates spread into the spinal fluid and M4 indicates spread outside the central nervous system to the bone marrow, liver, and other parts of the body. Tumor grade, a description of how the cancer cells look under a microscope compared to normal cells, is a better way of categorizing how aggressive or severe a brain tumor is. Here are some things the doctor may consider to determine a child's prognosis, outlook and treatment options.



Childhood brain tumor staging

  • The child's brain function.
  • The child's age.
  • The tumor type.
  • The tumor grade.
  • The tumor size and location.
  • The tumor risk group (determined by tests done to detect tumor).
  • Where in the brain the tumor formed.
  • Whether the tumor has recently been diagnosed or has returned after treatment.
  • Whether the tumor has invaded other parts of the brain.
  • Whether the cancer has spread outside of the central nervous system.
  • Whether the tumor can be removed with surgery.