What is the most common type of brain tumor in children?

Medulloblastoma is recognized as the most common type of brain tumor in children and is a type of primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET). It typically arises in the cerebellum, which controls coordination and balance. This tumor primarily affects younger children and is often diagnosed between the ages of 3 and 8 years. Medulloblastomas tend to spread through the cerebrospinal fluid, potentially leading to metastatic disease, which requires a specific treatment approach that includes surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Understanding the prevalence of medulloblastoma compared to other types of tumors reinforces its significance in pediatric neurology. Astrocytomas are common but generally occur more frequently in older children and adolescents. Glioblastomas, while they are aggressive tumors, are much rarer in the pediatric population. Neuroblastoma, although it is a common pediatric cancer, primarily arises from neural crest cells in the adrenal glands and is not a brain tumor. Therefore, medulloblastoma stands out as the most prevalent brain tumor specifically in children.