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Nonmalignant pediatric brain tumors
Mahmoud Rashidi1, Victor Reis DaSilva, Alireza Minagar
1Division of Neurosurgery, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada.
Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports
|April 15, 2003
Summary
Pediatric brain tumors are common, with many nonmalignant types showing a good prognosis. This review covers common nonmalignant pediatric brain tumors, improving patient outlooks.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric oncology
- Neuropathology
Background:
- Brain tumors represent the most frequent solid neoplasms in children.
- Approximately 1500-2000 children in the U.S. are diagnosed annually.
- Half of all pediatric brain tumors are malignant, while the other half are nonmalignant.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology, histopathology, genetics, clinical presentation, neuroimaging, and treatment of common nonmalignant pediatric brain tumors.
- To highlight the favorable prognosis associated with many of these entities.
- To underscore recent therapeutic advancements.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of common nonmalignant pediatric brain tumors.
- Inclusion of specific tumor types: low-grade astrocytomas (cerebellar astrocytoma, optic pathway glioma), subependymal giant cell astrocytomas, central neurocytomas, dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor, choroid plexus papilloma, and craniopharyngioma.
Main Results:
- Nonmalignant pediatric brain tumors encompass diverse pathologic entities with unique clinical features.
- Many of these tumors exhibit a favorable prognosis.
- Advances in management have significantly improved outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the characteristics of nonmalignant pediatric brain tumors is crucial for effective management.
- Continued research and therapeutic innovation are enhancing patient prognoses.
- This review provides a comprehensive overview for clinicians and researchers.