In June 2003, 4-year-old Ben Rowe was diagnosed with a primitive neuroectodermal tumor, one of the more common forms of brain tumors found in children. According to his mother, Cindy Rowe, the only symptom he showed was a headache that would not diminish. Fortunately, the tumor, which was the size of a softball, was removed completely without causing any permanent side effects. Ben has since undergone radiation treatment and now is in the process of receiving chemotherapy for which he is admitted to C. S. Mott Children’s Hospital three days each month. He also receives transfusions twice a week at the Pediatric Infusion Center in the U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Tumors are masses of tissue which form when cells lose the ability to control their own growth and divide too often. Brain tumors can be located in numerous areas of the organ and consist of a number of different types of cells. A brain tumor can either be benign or malignant. Benign tumors do not contain cancer cells and, in most situations, can be removed surgically and do not recur often. Ben’s brain tumor was malignant, meaning it did contain cancer cells. These tumors grow rapidly and invade neighboring tissues.

Two Courses of Action

When a child is diagnosed with a brain tumor, there are two courses of action that may be followed. If possible, it is surgically removed under the care of a neurosurgeon. However, if the procedure to remove the tumor is too risky, a biopsy will be performed. According to Nur Akcasu, R.N., M.S., C.P.N.P., “It is important to determine what the tumor’s cell of origin is. Understanding what type of brain tumor the patient is afflicted with determines the protocol the patient will follow.”

Radiation and chemotherapy are usually part of the patient’s protocol. Radiation generally continues for about six weeks, after which chemotherapy is usually administered for approximately six months.

Complete Care

Mott Children’s Hospital and the Cancer Center provide complete care for children who are diagnosed with brain tumors. Staff emphasize educating both the patient and the family. Tools they provide include a comprehensive book covering brain tumors and a list of websites that provide explanations of the conditions patients face. Nurses and doctors also supply information about the patient’s condition, long-term prognosis, and care. Cindy feels the doctors did a good job answering her questions. “The doctors were very helpful when explaining Ben’s condition,” she says.

According to Patricia Robertson, M.D., Associate Professor of Neurology, Pediatrics, and Communicable Diseases, one of the best features of the brain tumor clinic is the multidisciplinary team, which includes neurosurgeons, oncologists, and rehabilitation professionals, as well as psychologists, social workers, and endocrinologists, when their services are required. The clinic meets two Mondays a month. Laura Zang, Clinical Nurse Specialist, praises the brain tumor clinic on the excellent communication she sees between the doctors. “The doctors work closely to supply comprehensive care to pediatric patients suffering from brain tumors. Meeting with patients on days when the various care providers are in the clinic allows for greater communication among the doctors.”

Robertson also stresses the importance of non-clinical care offered at Mott Children’s Hospital. “The Child Life aspect is fantastic,” says Robertson. Child Life specialists provide patients at Mott Hospital with games, activities, and learning opportunities.

Cindy is very pleased with the treatment her son has received at Mott Hospital. “I think everyone here is wonderful. The nurses and staff take care of everything for me. Nur Akcasu, Ben’s nurse practitioner, is fantastic and Dr. Robertson, his physician, is excellent. I can’t say a bad thing about anything here.”