ON THIS PAGE: You will find out more about the factors that increase the chance of developing astrocytoma. Use the menu to see other pages.

A risk factor is anything that increases a person’s chance of developing a tumor. Although risk factors often influence the development of a tumor, most do not directly cause a tumor. Some people with several risk factors never develop a tumor, while others with no known risk factors do.

Doctors and researchers do not know what causes most childhood tumors. There is some evidence that genetics may play a role in a small percentage of children with cerebral astrocytoma. The following factors may increase a child’s risk of developing astrocytoma:

• Neurofibromatosis. Neurofibromatosis is an inherited disorder that causes a type of noncancerous tumor called a neurofibroma. Neurofibromatosis is also called Recklinghausen’s disease or von Recklinghausen’s disease. Learn more about neurofibromatosis type 1 and neurofibromatosis type 2.

• Other genetic conditions. Less commonly, the following genetic conditions are associated with a higher risk of developing a central nervous system (CNS) tumor:

  • Li-Fraumeni syndrome

  • Tuberous sclerosis complex

  • Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome

  • Turcot syndrome

  • Constitutional mismatch repair deficiency syndrome (CMMRDS)

The next section in this guide is Symptoms and Signs. It explains what changes or medical problems astrocytoma can cause. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.