Untreated childhood visual pathway glioma
Recurrent visual pathway glioma

Once childhood visual pathway glioma is found, more tests will be done to find out the type of tumor. If a biopsy specimen is taken, the cancer cells will be looked at carefully under a microscope to see how different they are from the normal cells. This will determine the histologic grade of the tumor.

There is no staging for childhood visual pathway glioma. The treatment depends on:

• The location and size of the tumor.
• The child's age and general health.
• Whether or not the child has a condition called neurofibromatosis type 1.
• Whether or not the cancer has just been diagnosed or has recurred (come back).

Untreated childhood visual pathway glioma means that no treatment has been given except to treat symptoms.

Recurrent disease means that the cancer has come back (recurred) after it has been treated. It may come back in the brain or in the head or spinal area.

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