Find a Provider
From well-child visits to specialized treatment of complex illnesses and injuries, we offer comprehensive care from an exceptional team of doctors, nurses and allied professionals.
- Home
- Parents Home
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- A to Z
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Flu Center
- Heart Health
- Helping With Homework
- Infections
- Diseases & Conditions
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- School & Family Life
- Pregnancy & Newborn Center
- Pregnancy & Baby
- Q&A
- Recipes
- Sports Medicine Center
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Videos
- Para Padres
- Home
- Kids Home
- Asthma Center for Kids
- Cancer Center for Kids
- Movies & More
- Diabetes Center for Kids
- Getting Help
- Feelings
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Health Problems
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Nutrition & Fitness Center for Kids
- Recipes & Cooking for Kids
- Staying Healthy
- Stay Safe Center
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Q&A for Kids
- The Heart
- Videos for Kids
- Staying Safe
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Para Niños
- Home
- Teens Home
- Asthma Center for Teens
- Be Your Best Self
- Cancer Center for Teens
- Diabetes Center for Teens
- Diseases & Conditions (for Teens)
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center for Teens
- Homework Help for Teens
- Infections (for Teens)
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center for Teens
- Recipes for Teens
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sexual Health
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos for Teens
- Body
- Mind
- Para Adolescentes
A to Z: Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor (PNET)
May also be called: Medulloblastoma; Posterior Fossa PNET; Supratentorial PNET; Pineoblastoma
Primitive neuroectodermal (PRIM-ih-tiv nur-oh-ek-tuh-DERM-ul) tumors, or PNETs, are tumors that can happen anywhere in the brain. These tumors can spread to the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
More to Know
Primitive neuroectodermal tumors develop from immature nerve cells in the brain. These primitive cells are often cancerous, and can start to grow out of control.
Types of PNETs include:
- medulloblastoma
- posterior fossa PNET
- supratentorial PNET
- pineoblastoma
Symptoms of a PNET often depend on the size of the tumor and where it is, but common symptoms include:
- headaches, nausea, and vomiting (especially in the morning) caused by increased pressure in the head
- weakness in the arms and legs
- vision problems
- seizures
- trouble with balance and coordination
PNETs require aggressive treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Keep in Mind
PNETs are serious tumors that need a lot of treatment. But recent medical advances have made a cure possible for many of the children who have them.
All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995- The Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth® is a registered trademark of The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.
Images sourced by The Nemours Foundation and Getty Images.