BRAIN-STEM TUMORS IN CHILDHOOD - PREPARING PATIENTS AND FAMILIES FOR LONG-TERM AND SHORT-TERM CARE

Brainstem tumors make up only 10% of all childhood brain tumors and th ey carry with them a bleak prognosis. The majority of children are dea d within 2 years of diagnosis from a malignant histology in a malignan t location within the brain. A small group of brainstem tumors which b y clinical and magnetic resonance imaging diagnosis are slow growing m ay be amenable to surgical debulking prior to adjunctive therapy. The morbidity associated with this treatment is high but long-term surviva l in this category of brainstem tumors is possible. Regardless of hist opathologies, the medical, physical and emotional care of children and their families is complex and challenging. Effective patient/family e ducation and support for children diagnosed with brainstem tumors is e ssential to providing medical care aimed at the cure or terminal care which allows the child to die in comfort with dignity.