Recurrent childhood supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumors and pineoblastoma are tumors that have recurred (come back) after they have been treated. Childhood supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumors and pineoblastoma often recur. A tumor may come back many years later, usually in the brain, meninges (membranes covering the brain), or spinal cord. It can also come back in other parts of the body, such as the bone or lung.

Glossary Terms

One of a pair of organs in the chest that supplies the body with oxygen, and removes carbon dioxide from the body.

A very thin layer of tissue that covers a surface.

The three thin layers of tissue that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord.

A fast growing type of brain tumor that occurs in or around the pineal gland, a tiny organ near the center of the brain.

One of a group of cancers that develop from the same type of early cells, and share certain biochemical and genetic features. Some primitive neuroectodermal tumors develop in the brain and central nervous system (CNS-PNET), and others develop in sites outside of the brain such as the limbs, pelvis, and chest wall (peripheral PNET). Also called PNET.

Cancer that has recurred (come back), usually after a period of time during which the cancer could not be detected. The cancer may come back to the same place as the original (primary) tumor or to another place in the body. Also called recurrence.

A column of nerve tissue that runs from the base of the skull down the back. It is surrounded by three protective membranes, and is enclosed within the vertebrae (back bones). The spinal cord and the brain make up the central nervous system, and spinal cord nerves carry most messages between the brain and the rest of the body.

Having to do with the upper part of the brain.

An abnormal mass of tissue that results when cells divide more than they should or do not die when they should. Tumors may be benign (not cancerous), or malignant (cancerous). Also called neoplasm.