Common brain tumours in children: diagnosis and treatment

Dramatic advances have been made in the diagnosis of childhood brain tumours thanks to the development of modern imaging techniques. Advances in the management of these tumours have, however, been slow because of the limitations of an aggressive surgical approach and the risks associated with radiotherapy on the growing, and still immature, brain. The role of chemotherapy remains ill-defined in many patients with brain tumours and large variations in practice exist between groups and institutions. This article provides an overview of the most common paediatric brain tumours, mainly gliomas, medulloblastomas, ependymomas, germ-cell tumours and craniopharyngiomas. Considerations regarding the management of brain tumours in very young children are also examined. The long term outcome for children with brain tumours is discussed, stressing the need to focus on quality of life for survivors.