Recognizing the Symptoms: Warning Signs of Brain Tumors
Brain tumors are the second most common form of childhood cancer. The most common forms of brain tumors are:
Astrocytoma
Medulloblastoma
Ependymoma
The signs and symptoms of brain tumors vary widely, but include:
headache
seizures
drowsiness
impaired speech
difficulty in swallowing
impaired vision
sudden vomiting
poor coordination
behavioral changes
weakness in a limb or on one side of the body
difficulty with balance
tingling or weakness in the arms or legs
an increase in head size in infants
Treatment for a brain tumor could involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or all three.
WARNING SIGNS
Because children may ignore or not recognize symptoms of illness, or be too young to communicate them, parents or caretakers should make certain children have regular medical checkups and be alert to signs that indicate something might be seriously wrong.
How does a parent distinguish between a relatively minor illness and a serious illness such as cancer? If a child has any of the following symptoms that are persistent, seek medical attention. Of course, these symptoms can occur for reasons other than serious illness. Do not hesitate to seek second opinions if a doctor is not able to determine the cause.
Fever
Fatigue, listlessness or pallor
Swelling or lumps anywhere on the body
Nausea or loss of appetite
Insomnia or sleeping too much
Change in disposition, e.g., whining or crying spells, unusual irritability
Regression of toilet habits
Stumbling or falling
Double vision or other eye problems
Easy and frequent bruising
Nosebleeds or bleeding from any part of the body
