Brain tumors are the most common solid tumors in children.
Tumors occur throughout the nervous system. Their presence may be heralded by a variety of symptoms that often mimic other common ailments. Some tumors are benign and can be cured by surgery. Some brain and spinal cord tumors are malignant and are treated with a combined approach utilizing surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
We work closely with our colleagues in the Ireland Cancer Center, the only cancer center in northern Ohio designated a Comprehensive Cancer Center (the National Cancer Institute's highest designation) and coordinate the child's care with his or her pediatrician.
The time surrounding the diagnosis and early management of a brain tumor is often devastating and overwhelming. We strive to ensure that the patient and family receive the best guidance and support. A team of pediatric specialists from neurosurgery, neuro-oncology, radiation oncology, pediatric anesthesiology, pediatric surgery, neuroradiology, social service, and physical and occupational therapy review each child's case and formulate the safest, most effective treatment strategy.
Children are enrolled in state-of-the-art protocols from Children's Oncology Group, a National Cancer Institute-supported clinical trials cooperative group devoted exclusively to childhood and adolescent cancer research.
We focus not only on successfully treating the tumor but also on the child's continued development as a person, and the family's well-being. Our goal is for children to survive their Brain Tumors and to grow into healthy well-adjusted adults.