title: Neurosurgery for pediatric brain tumors.
abstract: Pediatric brain tumors should be treated at multispecialty centers where the pediatric neurosurgeon constitutes a critical component to the team. Pediatric brain tumors are relatively rare, and diagnosis is often delayed because of the protean manifestations of these tumors clinically. The tumors can occur anywhere along the neuraxis but most commonly in the posterior fossa. The neurosurgeon's role in the care of pediatric patients with brain tumors entails establishing an accurate diagnosis, the treatment of hydrocephalus, the radical and total removal of the offending lesions initially, and the establishment of diagnosis at the time of recurrence. Because of rapid advances in neuroradiology, neuro-oncology, and radiation therapy, most brain tumors in childhood can be eliminated with a high chance for cure and minimal morbidity. The neurosurgeon must be technically adept at radical resection of these tumors even in eloquent areas.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, USA.
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Mickle
mesh_terms: D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures