What is the most common brain tumor in children?

• A. Ependymoma
• B. Medulloblastoma
• C. Oligodendroglioma
• D. Astrocytomas

Answer: (D)

Astrocytomas are the most common type of brain tumor in children, with pilocytic astrocytoma being the frequent subtype. In kids, tumors arising from glial cells (astrocytes) make up the largest share of pediatric CNS tumors, and pilocytic astrocytoma accounts for the bulk of these. This tumor most often appears in the cerebellum and tends to grow slowly, which is why the prognosis after complete surgical removal is usually very good. While ependymomas, medulloblastomas, and oligodendrogliomas occur in children, they are less common overall than astrocytomas, especially pilocytic astrocytoma.