Your child's doctor can give the full, medical description of diffuse pontine glioma (DPG), all of the treatments that are available and your child's overall prognosis. This guide is designed to provide high level introductions to these areas to assist with the decisions that you'll making along with your doctor.
Simply put, DPG is a cancer of the pons - the area of the brain directly above the brainstem - and is considered one of the most dreaded forms of childhood cancer due to the historically poor prognosis. DPG is very rare and affects approximately 200 children per year in the United States. There is no known cause; it affects girls and boys equally; spans all social, racial and religious groups; and has a peak incidence around 6 to 9 years of age.
Cancerous tumors are classified and named based on their pathology and location. This tumor is diffusely spread throughout the pons and initially forms in the glial cells of the brain. DPG is also called diffusely infiltrative brain stem glioma, diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma and brainstem glioma. The MJ Foundation and most of the organizations that we partner with use the name diffuse pontine glioma (DPG).
Having your child diagnosed with DPG is earth shattering. Everything in your life has been reprioritized. When it comes to the health of your child, you know them better than anyone else in the world including your doctor. Trust your judgment, ask questions and don't be afraid to seek second opinions.