Our team is a leading group with deep experience in treating children with brain tumors.
Brain tumor symptoms range from headaches and vision problems to seizures and motor issues. They can occur at any age.
But brain tumors that grow in kids are unique from adult brain tumors. Kids don't get the same types of tumors as adults. They also don't respond to treatments in the same way. Kids can have long-term side effects that adults don't. That's why kids with brain tumors need care from pediatric cancer experts and the best brain surgeons.
That's what you get at the MACC Fund Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. Our focus is childhood cancer. Our specialists in the neuro-oncology program care for kids with brain and spinal cord tumors in children.
A brain tumor is an abnormal lump of cells in the brain. In kids, brain tumors are the most common kind of solid tumor. Brain tumors can be slow-growing or grow quickly. Both of these types of tumors can spread.
There are several different kinds, based on the type of cell the tumor started with.
Our doctors will suggest a care plan based on:
Some of the most common treatment options our team offers include:
Kids with a brain tumor often have complex needs beyond treating their tumor. They may have symptoms or side effects that need care. Our team of experts will help you manage these health issues.
Your child may need other medicines, including:
Procedures
During the cancer care process, your child may need some additional procedures.
They may include:
Nationally recognized: U.S. News & World Report regularly names us as one of the nation's best pediatric centers for cancer and blood disorders. We have the resources and expertise to provide the best possible brain tumor treatments, from diagnosis to long-term care.
Neuro-oncology experts: Our neuro-oncology program treats brain and spinal cord tumors in children. We can offer care tailored to your child and family.
Latest technology: We're opening the first proton radiation center in the state. This new technology minimizes the damage to healthy tissue. We have the latest tools, including GammaKnife and surgical robots.
Advanced imaging: We're continually upgrading our imaging software and techniques. Better imaging improves surgical planning, navigation in the brain and clean tumor removal.
Molecular testing: Advanced testing of the genetic information of the tumor can help us learn more about your child's diagnosis. This information helps us tailor your child's care and may allow us access to use targeted therapies.
Clinical trials: We are a Children's Oncology Group (COG) member. COG is the world's largest pediatric cancer research organization. Through this group, we take part in brain tumor clinical trials, study new care options and learn about brain tumor biology. In addition, we also have investigator-initiated and other non-COG consortium studies to offer patients.
Complementary and integrative medicine: We offer creative arts therapies, acupressure, aromatherapy and massage. This type of care can help ease the side effects and pain of cancer and cancer care.
We give you and your family the best and safest care possible. We offer a comfortable and welcoming environment at every step of your journey.
The neuro-oncology program sees kids:
Your First Visit
Please make sure you have your child's:
Feel free to contact our team if you have any questions before your visit.
The neuro-oncology program includes a team of experts who tailor a care plan to your child. We involve you in decision-making at each step — diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care. We are just a phone call away at any time.
Our experts include:
During Diagnosis
Our first step is to diagnose your child's glioma accurately. We use cutting-edge techniques, including MRI and molecular testing. We use this information to accurately diagnose the tumor type and plan surgery to remove it.
Based on the types of care they need, some kids access our Fertility Navigation Program. This is a way to discuss their options for having kids in the future.
In the Hospital
Our care teams create a welcoming, familiar, healing environment if your child needs hospital care. You'll meet daily with our medical teams to get a status update. They'll check that you and your family are comfortable.
Our expert nurses check in with you and your child throughout the day to ensure you have everything you need. To make your time with us as comfortable as possible, we have a:
After Treatment
Our team is here for your family after your child finishes their cancer care. You can contact your care team or the neuro-oncology program. We can answer questions about long-term care, future screenings and maintenance. You'll also have continued access to counseling, support groups and other resources.
Children recovering from a brain tumor may need rehabilitation services. This may include physical, occupational and speech therapy.
Young adults who are currently receiving or have received cancer treatment can get support through our young adult oncology group. The group meets monthly to help young adults (18-39) with cancer or recovering from it to share experiences and plan activities.
After treatment, you'll enter the Bridge to Next Steps program. This program helps you and your child transition into post-therapy care. The program consists of two visits. You will meet with a survivorship provider and a psychologist. They'll provide education, a summary of care and support.
At least two years after your child completes treatment, they can enter the Next Steps Clinic. This long-term follow-up program cares for cancer survivors. Our care team monitors for recurrence, manages late effects and promotes overall well-being.
At Children's Wisconsin, our doctors are 100% committed to the health and well-being of kids. They care for every aspect of a child's health, including their physical, social, dental and mental well-being. We are a community of dedicated professionals who shares an unwavering passion to care for kids whenever and wherever they need us.
