Brain tumors are the most common cancer death in children, and while researchers say they have made great strides, they are only just beginning.

When Scott McNeil was 8 years old, he discovered this life-changing affliction after experiencing ringing in his ear.

"He did have a noise to his ear and you could hear it directly if you put your ear to his ear. So, we knew there was something wrong at that point," his father, Glen McNeil, said.

Scans showed a tumor in the fourth ventricle of his brain. Scott McNeil had emergency surgery to remove the malignancy, which was followed by radiation and chemotherapy.

"It was really tough because I was never home. I never got to see my family or anyone and I just remember missing being back at home. (I) missed being a regular kid," Scott McNeil said.

According to Dr. John Ragheb, Scott McNeil was not alone; South Florida has a high concentration of childhood brain tumor patients.

"The rate of brain tumors in the U.S. in total is somewhere in the range of one in 2,000 to one in 2,500. It's just slightly higher here in South Florida," Ragheb said.

Ragheb said children of all ages, from infants to young adults, can have brain tumors. There are some signal symptoms for which parents can look.

"The most common symptoms of a brain tumor in a child would be headache, vomiting and changes in behavior," Ragheb said.

Now age 17, Scott McNeil is still undergoing treatment and taking chemotherapy pills indefinitely. But, he has not let cancer keep him down. He is an honor student, holds a job at a pizza parlor, plays hockey and loves to surf.

"I feel like it's had a good impact on my life. I've grown from it and I've matured much quicker than most people my age," Scott McNeil said.

Glen McNeil said the key to beating the disease is getting comprehensive treatment and seeking out the experts.

From January 21 to 23, the Miami Children's Brain Institute will host a brain tumor conference. Experts from around the country will be in Miami discussing new treatment options and research findings.

For more information, visit the Florida Brain Tumor Association's Web site.