Brain tumors in childhood and adolescence

Brain tumors are the second most common neoplasm in childhood and adolescen ce. With the recent advances in technology, changes in tumor incidence have been reported. This study examines this statement, A 19-year retrospective case review of primary brain tumors in persons younger than 18 years of ag e at time of diagnosis, who had permanent residence in our catchment area, was performed. Data were examined for changes in presenting symptoms and si gns and incidence rates for tumors on the basis of anatomic location and hi stologic tumor type. An incidence rate of 2.76 per 100,000 people younger t han 18 years of age was found. During the period of this study a small, hut significant, trend toward increasing incidence was evident. No changes in patterns of presentation or duration of symptoms before diagnosis was obser ved. The incidence rate based on histologic tumor diagnosis remained fairly constant during the study period, (C) 1999 by Elsevier Science Inc. All ri ghts reserved.