Q: Which specialist should be consulted if I want to rule out brain tumor in my child?
A: You should consult a neurosurgeon. Depending on the tumor and required treatment, you may be referred to a neurologist or a pediatric neuro-oncologist.
Q: Are brain tumors in children common?
A: Approximately 1 in every 20,000 children is diagnosed with a brain tumor.
Q: Can a benign tumor be left untreated?
A: In the brain, even a benign tumor can cause severe symptoms by pressing on neighbouring structures and affecting their function depending on the tumor location. Even benign tumors should be treated promptly.
Q: Is brain surgery dangerous to life?
A: Brain surgery requires great deal of skill and experience. Make sure your surgeon has experience in the type of surgery that has been recommended. In experienced hands, the outcome of surgery for removal of tumors is very encouraging.
Q: What are glial cells, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes?
A: These cells are supporting cells of the brain. The neurons or nerve cells are the functional units of the brain.
