Types Brain tumors are classified by the appearance of their cells under the microscope (histopathology) and their location in the brain. The types that occur in children are generally similar to those seen in adults, although there are a few types that are much more common in children.
There is a structure in the back part of the brain, a roof-like membrane called the tentorium. This is just above the cerebellum (the portion of the brain having to do with balance and coordination) and the brain stem. There are significant differences in the types of tumors occurring above and below this membrane, as well as in the methods used to make a diagnosis and follow the results of therapy.
About half the brain tumors in children occur below the tentorium, most being in the cerebellum or the nearby cavity called the fourth ventricle. This area of the skull cavity is the posterior fossa. Tumors in the region include astrocytomas, medulloblastomas, ependymomas and brain stem gliomas.
The area above the tentorium, which makes up most of the brain, is called the supratentorial region. Tumors in this area include astrocytomas, cerebral neuroblastomas, ependymoma, craniopharyngioma, meningioma, germ cell tumors, optic nerve glioma, pineal tumors and choroid plexus tumors.
There may be many different names for these tumors, especially as newer classification systems are more descriptive or accurate.
