• The age of the child when the tumor is found
• The location of the tumor
• Where the tumor is located and if it has spread within the brain stem
• Whether the child has an underlying condition called neurofibromatosis type 1
• Whether the glioma has just been diagnosed or has recurred.
   

• Childhood brain stem glioma is a disease in which benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) cells form in the tissues of the brain stem
• The cause of most childhood brain tumors, including brain stem glioma, is unknown
• The signs of childhood brain stem glioma vary, depending on the child's age and where the tumor is located
• Tests that examine the brain and spinal cord are used to find childhood brain stem glioma
• Childhood brain stem glioma is diagnosed and removed in surgery
• Certain factors affect the brain stem glioma prognosis and treatment options.