The central nervous system embryonal tumours are malignant or benign cells that start in the embryonic or fetal cells that remain in the brain post birth. These tumours tend to spread via the cerebrospinal fluid to the other parts of the brain as well as spinal cord. The tumours can be either malignant or benign. Most of the CNS embryonal tumours in children are malignant in nature.
Malignant cancer cells have a characteristic of growing quickly and spread into different parts of the brain. When the tumour grows into or presses on the area of the brain, it can stop that part of the brain from performing or functioning the way it should. The benign brain tumours can grow and press on the nearby areas of the brain and spread to other parts of the brain very slowly. Both benign as well as malignant brain tumours can cause different signs and symptoms.
Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options. The prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options depend on the following.
- The age of the child when the tumor is found
- The type of tumor and where it is in the brain
- Whether there is tumor left after surgery
- Whether the cancer has spread within the brain and spinal cord or to other parts of the body, such as the bones
- Whether the tumor has just been diagnosed or has recurred (come back)
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