Primary Neoplasms of the Pediatric Brain

Primary brain tumors are the most common solid malignancy of childhood and constitute the most common cause of cancer-related death in children. It is important for the radiologist to understand the differences between pediatric and adult brain tumors. For instance, tumor type varies significantly with age; many histologic subtypes occur exclusively in childhood. An anatomic approach to pediatric brain tumors helps narrow the differential diagnosis; however, information from this approach must be considered in conjunction with recent advances in molecular subtyping of these tumors. This article emphasizes relevant clinical, molecular, and imaging features that are unique to pediatric brain tumors.