Brain Stem Glioma - Childhood: Risk Factors

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 10/2022

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

What are the risk factors for brain stem glioma?

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, including brain stem glioma. There is some evidence that genetic factors may play a role in a small percentage of brain stem gliomas.

The following genetic conditions are associated with a higher risk of developing a central nervous system (CNS) tumor, but they are not specifically associated with developing a brain stem glioma:

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