Astrocytoma - Childhood: Introduction

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 09/2023

ON THIS PAGE: You will find some basic information about astrocytoma and the parts of the body it may affect. This is the first page of Cancer.Net’s Guide to Childhood Astrocytoma. Use the menu to see other pages. Think of that menu as a roadmap for this entire guide.

The brain and spinal column make up the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS controls all vital functions of the body, including thought, speech, and strength.

Astrocytoma is a type of CNS tumor that forms in cells called astrocytes. Healthy astrocytes provide the connecting network of the brain and spinal cord. When the CNS is damaged, astrocytes form scar tissue. Astrocytoma begins when healthy astrocytes change and grow out of control, forming a mass called a tumor.

Astrocytoma can occur throughout the CNS, including in the following places:

  • The cerebellum, which is the back part of the brain responsible for coordination and balance

  • The cerebrum, which is the top part of the brain that controls motor activities and talking

  • The diencephalon, which is the central part of the brain that controls vision, hormone production, and arm and leg movement

  • The brain stem, which controls eye and facial movement, arm and leg movement, and breathing

  • The spinal cord, which controls sensation and arm and leg motor function

In general, a tumor can be cancerous or benign. A cancerous tumor is malignant, meaning it can grow and spread to other parts of the body. A benign tumor means the tumor can grow but spread is very rare. Astrocytoma is more commonly referred to as either high grade or low grade (see Stages and Grades).

Normal brain tissue

Normal brain tissue

Pilocytic astrocytoma

Pilocytic astrocytoma (low-grade tumor)

Anaplastic astrocytoma




Anaplastic astrocytoma (high-grade tumor)

These images are used with permission by the College of American Pathologists.

This section covers astrocytoma diagnosed in children. Learn more about brain tumors in adults in a separate guide on this same website.

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The next section in this guide is Statistics. It helps explain the number of children who are diagnosed with astrocytoma and general survival rates. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.