A tectal glioma is a low-grade, slow-growing brain tumor in the tectum, the roof of the brain stem. The brain stem controls vital body functions such as breathing, heart rate and blood pressure.

• Tectal gliomas originate in a certain type of glial cell (meaning that they make connective tissue in the brain), known as an astrocyte, for its star-like shape.
• Most children with tectal gliomas are between 3 and 16 years old.

How Dana-Farber/Boston Children's approaches tectal gliomas

Children with tectal gliomas are treated at Dana-Farber/Boston Children's through our Glioma Program, one of the world's largest pediatric glioma treatment programs. Our internationally-recognized pediatric brain tumor specialists have extensive expertise in treating all types of gliomas, including tectal gliomas.

Learn more

Find in-depth information on tectal glioma on the Dana-Farber/Boston Children's website, including answers to:

• How is tectal glioma diagnosed?
• What is the treatment for tectal glioma?
• What is the latest research on tectal glioma?