Brain tumours in children
There are over 100 different types of tumour which can occur in the brain or central nervous system. They are usually named after the type of cell they develop from. They might also be named after the area of the brain they are growing in.
Cancer that has spread from another part of the body to the brain is called secondary brain cancer. Secondary brain tumours are less common in children than adults.
Find out more about secondary brain cancer
There are over 100 different types of tumour that can develop in the brain or central nervous system. They are usually named after the type of cell they develop from. Find out more about the different types.
Astrocytoma is the most common type of brain and spinal cord tumour in children. They are also known as a glioma. Around 175 children are diagnosed with an astrocytoma each year in the UK.
Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant (high grade) children’s brain tumour. It develops at the back of the brain in the cerebellum. Around 52 children are diagnosed with medulloblastoma each year in the UK.
Ependymomas usually start from ependymal cells. These line the fluid filled areas of the brain (ventricles) and spinal cord. Ependymomas are most common in children under 5 years old. Around 30 children are diagnosed with ependymoma every year in the UK.
Last reviewed: 09 Nov 2026
Next review due: 09 Nov 2029
