The
Zachary
Carson
Brain Tumor
Fund
Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Gliomas
What is a diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma?
- A diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a tumor in the brain stem, seen only in children.
- These tumors are inoperable, because they are located in a critical part of the brain that controls breathing, heart beat, blood pressure and alertness; therefore, surgical removal is impossible.
- These tumors are malignant and grow rapidly.
- The symptoms include muscle weakness on one side of the body, swallowing problems, speech problems, crossed eyes, drowsiness, and personality changes.
- DIPGs are the deadliest of all pediatric cancers, with survival rates of less than 2%.
- Most children die within 9 months of diagnosis.
- The average age of patients is 8-9 years old.
- This cancer occurs with equal frequency in girls and boys.
