Locations:
An embryonal tumor is a childhood brain tumor. It’s made up of cells left over from fetal development. Some types are aggressive and affect a child’s life expectancy. Treatment is available to improve your child’s prognosis. It may include surgery combined with chemotherapy. Support is also available for parents and caregivers.
An embryonal tumor is a type of brain tumor made up of fast-growing cells that are left over after fetal development (embryonic cells).
Embryonic cells have an important function during the early stages of fetal development in the uterus. They help form a human body. Sometimes, extra embryonic cells remain in your child’s brain after birth. This leads to the formation of embryonal tumors.
These tumors affect children and can be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign). Most develop in the brain and some form along the spinal cord. These tumors can spread through fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord (cerebrospinal fluid). Many malignant types are aggressive and can be life-threatening.
You may hear your child’s healthcare provider refer to embryonal tumors as embryomas. In the past, providers called this type of tumor a primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET).
Embryonal tumors are grouped into different tumor types. The most common type of embryonal tumor is a medulloblastoma. It develops in the cerebellum, which is the lower back part of your child’s brain.
Other non-medulloblastoma embryonal tumors of the central nervous system include:
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Embryonal tumors make up an estimated 12% of all brain tumors in children from birth to age 14 in the United States. Among these, the most common, medulloblastoma, accounts for over 68% of all embryonal tumors. Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors account for 17%.
These tumors are most common among babies and children. They can affect adults but it’s rare. For example, atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors affect more children assigned male at birth younger than 3 years old. Embryonal tumors with multilayered rosettes are more common among children assigned female at birth younger than 4 years old.
The signs and symptoms of embryonal tumors vary based on your child’s age, the type and the location but could include:
Among infants, you might notice the following symptoms:
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A tumor happens when cells grow and divide more often than they should. Researchers aren’t sure why leftover embryonic cells turn into embryonal tumors.
The following inherited conditions make your child more likely to develop a medulloblastoma embryonal tumor:
Complications of embryonal tumors can be life-threatening and may include:
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If your child shows symptoms or you have concerns about their health, visit your child’s healthcare provider. A provider will diagnose an embryonal tumor after a physical exam and testing. Your child’s provider will ask you questions to learn more about their symptoms. They’ll also ask about your child’s health history and family medical history.
Tests that confirm a diagnosis include:
Treatment for embryonal tumors varies based on the type, size and location of the tumor. Common treatment options may include:
Your child may need more than one type of treatment. For example, your child’s surgeon will remove as much of the tumor as they safely can during a procedure. Following this, your child will undergo chemotherapy to reduce or eliminate the remaining tumor.
Research is ongoing to learn more about embryonal tumors. Your child may be a candidate for clinical trials (tests on people) to help healthcare providers discover new treatment options.
During your child’s treatment, you may feel stressed and overwhelmed. Many parents and caregivers participate in support groups or speak with a mental health professional during this difficult time. In addition, your child’s healthcare providers can show you ways to support and comfort your child as they undergo treatment.
Side effects of surgery may include:
Side effects of radiation and chemotherapy may include but aren’t limited to the following:
Some tumors can return after treatment to remove them.
Your child’s prognosis varies depending on the following:
Some embryonal tumors are aggressive, spread easily and can return after treatment. Others may be benign (noncancerous). Your child’s healthcare provider will be able to give you the most accurate prognosis.
The life expectancy for children with this condition varies. For example, one study reported that around 33% of children diagnosed with medulloblastoma don’t survive due to complications. The survival rate for an aggressive embryonal tumor with multilayered rosettes is 12 months after a diagnosis.
Your child’s life expectancy may differ from others with the same type of tumor based on the tumor size and location. Your child’s healthcare providers will give you the most up-to-date information about treatment options and available care to increase your child’s chance of survival.
Visit your child’s healthcare provider if you notice symptoms of embryonal tumors like:
If your child has a seizure, contact 911 (or your local emergency services number) or visit the emergency room immediately.
You may be feeling overwhelmed, helpless, scared and anxious after learning that your child has a potentially life-threatening tumor. At a very young age, your child may need to undergo surgery and/or chemotherapy. It can be difficult to console your child as they’re going through intense treatments.
Remember, while the type of cancer may be rare, your child’s care team is highly trained and experienced. They’ll do everything they can to reduce complications and treatment side effects and give your child the comfort and care they need through their journey.
If you’re unsure what to do or how to support your child, talk with your child’s healthcare providers. They can further educate you on your child’s condition and prognosis. They can even point you in the direction of other resources, like talking with a mental health professional or joining a support group.
During this time, it helps to surround yourself with friends and family that you trust and who can be there for you, even if you just need someone to talk to.
Last reviewed on 07/11/2024.
Learn more about our editorial process.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy