Pilocytic Astrocytoma
Also called Juvenile Pilocytic Astrocytoma (JPA)
This is the kind of tumor that doctors on the east coast thought Misha had before it was officially diagnosed as an oligodendroglioma. These tumors are generally benign; they don't grow and are not cancerous.
Characteristics
Treatment
Surgery is the standard treatment. If the tumor cannot be completely resected, radiation or chemotherapy may be given. Chemotherapy may be given to very young children instead of radiation therapy to avoid damage to the developing brain. Some of these tumors can progress to a higher grade, so it is important to be diligent about following up with the medical team after treatment.
This is the kind of tumor that doctors on the east coast thought Misha had before it was officially diagnosed as an oligodendroglioma. These tumors are generally benign; they don't grow and are not cancerous.
Characteristics
- Slow growing, with relatively well-defined borders
- Grows in the cerebrum, optic nerve pathways, brain stem and cerebellum
- Occurs most often in children and teens
- Accounts for two percent of all brain tumors
Treatment
Surgery is the standard treatment. If the tumor cannot be completely resected, radiation or chemotherapy may be given. Chemotherapy may be given to very young children instead of radiation therapy to avoid damage to the developing brain. Some of these tumors can progress to a higher grade, so it is important to be diligent about following up with the medical team after treatment.
Link to National Brain Tumor Society website:
http://www.braintumor.org/patients-family-friends/about-brain-tumors/tumor-types/pilocytic-astrocytoma.html