Brain tumours

Tests to diagnose a children's brain tumour

Your child will need a number of tests if their doctor suspects they have a brain tumour. The tests they might have include one or more of the following:

a neurological examination which tests your child’s nervous system
an MRI scan
a CT scan
blood tests to check your child’s general health and tumour marker levels
taking a sample of tissue (biopsy)
tests on the tumour to check for changes in genes (biomarkers)
a spinal fluid test (lumbar puncture)

These aren’t generally painful but your child will have to keep still while having them. To help keep them still for some tests, your child might need to be drowsy ( ) or asleep ( ).

The team caring for your child are used to helping children have these tests. They will go through everything with you. They will also do everything they can to prepare them and you for the tests.

The following is more information about each individual test and what to expect.

Last reviewed: 13 Dec 2022

Next review due: 13 Dec 2025

What are children's brain tumours?

Tumours affecting the brain and central nervous system are the second most common type of children’s cancer in the UK. Around 420 children are diagnosed with these tumours each year in the UK.

Symptoms of brain tumours in children

Brain tumour symptoms can be very similar to those of childhood illnesses. Take your child to the GP if they have any symptoms of a brain tumour.

Treatment for children’s brain tumours

The main treatments for children’s brain and spinal cord tumours are surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Risks and causes of cancer in children

We don't know what causes or how to prevent most childhood cancers. There are some factors that can increase the risk of cancer in children.

Coping with children’s brain tumours

It is essential that parents and other close family have support. Find out what is availble and who can help.

Brain tumours in children main page

Brain tumours are the second most common type of children’s cancer in the UK. Around 420 children are diagnosed with these tumours each year in the UK.