Brain Tumors

About 1,500 children in the United States are diagnosed with brain tumors each year, most between the age of 3 to 12.These tumors are very different from brain tumors in adults and are generally more responsive to treatment.

At UCSF Children's Hospital, experts at the Brain Tumor Center diagnose and treat children of all ages. We have the most comprehensive pediatric neurological surgery program in Northern California and the only program in California receiving funding from the National Institutes of Health.

Our neurologists and neurosurgeons are supported by one of the most advanced diagnostic imaging centers in the world, staffed by pioneers in the field. We are the only hospital in Northern California that offers MRI scanning during operations to increase the accuracy of surgery and one of only a few centers in California offering noninvasive treatment with the Gamma Knife and CyberKnife.

We also lead the way in research for new treatments. We are one of nine members of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium, a nationwide cooperative of the National Cancer Institute that develops new treatments for children with malignant brain tumors. Through the consortium, we offer the most advanced therapies available. Our patients have the opportunity to participate in studies of promising new medications and treatments. Our research laboratories also study the molecular foundations of childhood brain tumors.

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Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated November 19, 2007