Brain tumors in children: a review

Brain tumors are the second most common malignancy of children. In contrast to adults, childhood brain tumors are usually of glial origin; metastases and meningiomas are rare. Some tumors, i.e., medulloblastomas, are found almost exclusively in children. The posterior fossa is the most frequent site of occurrence. The prognosis for childhood neoplasms tends to be more favorable than in adults, and some lesions are curable. New techniques, including immunostaining, tumor markers, and cytogenetics, have improved diagnostic accuracy. A review of some of the most important brain tumors of children is presented along with an upgrade on recent developments in diagnoses and treatment.