ABSTRACT
Central nervous system tumors are the most common soild tumors in children, which are very important because of nonspecific clinical manifestation, delayed diagnosis, complication and relatively high mortality. The aim of this study from different angles and different aspects is to arrive at workable solutions towards appropriate management of these cases. An "existing data" study was carried out by using data of 120 patients [age<14 years] with brain tumors operated in Mophid hospital during 8 years [1996-2002]. Variables included age, gender, tumor site, pathology of tumor, symptoms, signs, time period of first clinical manifestation till the definite diagnosis. Results showed that female to male ratio was 3: 2. The most common tumor was astrocytoma [50%]. The most frequent location of tumor was posterior fossa [52%]. The major peak in the incidence of tumors was observed between 5 and 9 years. The longest period between disease onset till final diagnosis was related to astrocytoma [180days]. vomiting [63%] and headache [56%] were the commonest complaints of patients referring to the hospital. DTR changes [39%] and cerebellar signs were reported as most common neurologic findings. Clinical findings of these tumors are usually nonspecific therefore physician should recognize the clinical presentations and put them in their differential diagnosis which would reduce time period of disease onset until final diagnosis and thus decrease mortality and morbidity due to this tumors. A comprehensive study is recommended in order to estimate survival, response to treatment and complications resulting from it