Childhood supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumors and pineoblastoma are tumors in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the brain.
Childhood Supratentorial Primitive Neuroectodermal tumors start in the cerebrum. The cerebrum, which is at the top of the head, is the largest part of the brain. The cerebrum controls thinking, learning, problem solving, speech, emotions, reading, writing, and voluntary movement. Childhood Supratentorial Primitive Neuroectodermal tumors are also called Cerebral Neuroblastomas or Cerebral Medulloblastomas.
How is it caused?

The cause of most childhood brain tumors is unknown.

What are the symptoms?

These symptoms may be caused by a supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumor a pineoblastoma, or by other conditions. A doctor should be consulted if any of the following problems occur:

• Weakness or change in sensation on one side of the body.
• Morning headache or headache that goes away after vomiting.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Seizures.
• Unusual sleepiness or change in energy level.
• Change in personality or behavior.
• Unexplained weight loss or weight gain.

How is it diagnosed?

The following tests and procedures may be used:

• CT scan (CAT scan): A procedure that makes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, taken from different angles. The pictures are made by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. A dye may be injected into a vein or swallowed to help the organs or tissues show up more clearly. This procedure is also called computed tomography, computerized tomography, or computerized axial tomography.

• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) : A procedure that uses a magnet, radio waves, and a computer to make a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the brain and spinal cord. A substance called gadolinium is injected into the patient througha vein. The gadolinium collects around the cancer cells so they show up brighter in the picture. This procedure is also called nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI).

What is the treatment?

There are different types of treatment for children with supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumors and pineoblastoma. Three types of standard treatment are used:

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Surgery�

Surgery is used to diagnose and treat childhood supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumors and pineoblastoma as described in the General Information section of this summary.�

Radiation Therapy�

Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells. There are two types of radiation therapy. External radiation therapy uses a machine outside the body to send radiation toward the cancer. Internal radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance sealed in needles, seeds, wires, or catheters that are placed directly into or near the cancer. The way the radiation therapy is given depends on the type and stage of the cancer being treated.�

Chemotherapy�

Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping the cells from dividing. When chemotherapy is taken by mouth or injected into a vein or muscle, the drugs enter the bloodstream and can reach cancer cells throughout the body (systemic chemotherapy). When chemotherapy is placed directly in the spinal column, a body cavity such as the abdomen, or an organ, the drugs mainly affect cancer cells in those areas . The way the chemotherapy is given depends on the type and stage of the cancer being treated.�

Because radiation therapy to the brain can affect growth and brain development in young children, clinical trials are studying ways of using chemotherapy to delay or reduce the need for radiation therapy.