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Posterior fossa tumours in childhood: evaluation of presenting clinical features
D F O'Brien1, J Caird, M Kennedy
1Department of Neurosurgery, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Republic of Ireland.
Insights
Pediatric posterior fossa tumors are presenting at younger ages, with headaches and ataxia being key symptoms. Abdominal pain and constipation can also indicate these rare brain tumors in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Child Neurology
Background:
- Posterior fossa tumors are a significant concern in pediatric neuro-oncology.
- Understanding age trends and clinical presentations is crucial for early diagnosis.
- Previous studies have indicated varying age profiles and symptom clusters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the age distribution of pediatric posterior fossa tumors.
- To identify key clinical features at the time of presentation.
- To assess trends in age at presentation over time.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 79 pediatric cases with posterior fossa tumors.
- Analysis of patient demographics, focusing on age at presentation.
- Evaluation of presenting clinical signs and symptoms.
Main Results:
- The mean age of presentation was 6.6 years.
- This finding aligns with a decreasing age trend observed over the last 70 years.
- Significant symptoms included headaches, ataxia, and torticollis; abdominal pain and constipation were less common but notable indicators.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric posterior fossa tumors show a trend towards earlier presentation.
- Headaches, ataxia, and torticollis are prominent symptoms requiring attention.
- Clinicians should consider posterior fossa tumors in children presenting with less typical symptoms like abdominal pain or constipation.
Abstract:
A retrospective review was performed of the age profile and clinical features at presentation of 79 children with posterior fossa tumours. The mean age at presentation in this series (6.6 years) is consistent with a decreasing trend over the past 70 years. Headaches, ataxia and torticollis emerge as significant symptoms worthy of further investigation whilst abdominal pain and constipation might herald the presence of a posterior fossa tumour on rare occasions.
