Children with Brain Tumors: Role of the Neurosurgeon

Abstract

The surgical management of children with brain tumors has evolved considerably over the years and continues to be the first line of therapy for most tumors of the central nervous system. Outcomes are profoundly influenced by the level of specialized care and expertise available. Important elements of therapy include management of hydrocephalus, diagnostic sampling and tumor removal, each of which has been influenced by the rapid advances in the fields of pediatric neurosurgery and neurooncology. Tumor type and other factors dictate the appropriate course of action for each patient. The role of the pediatric neurosurgeon continues to expand to involve investigation of tumor development and therapies, consideration of disease staging, and drug delivery.