[Problems in the general pathology of brain tumors]

The various classifications of tumours of the central nervous system employed at present are analysed. A generally accepted classification is still missing. In any case, one should avoid to place cerebral tumours outside the systems, or even to exclude them from the considerations of general oncology. A solution to the problem requires as far as possible a complete detection of all cerebral tumours by autopsy. In particular, patients who were not opperated can on furnish essential indications. Even histologically and clinically so important indications with regard to dignity and malignity cannot be obtained with absolute certainty. For the greater part of cerebral tumours, degrees of malignity ("grading") cannot be established with sufficient reliability. In the GDR tumour statistics, cerebral tumours are almost as frequent as leukoses or the so-called lymphomas.