A Review of the Management of Paediatric Brain Tumours

Abstract

Background: Brain tumours are the second commonest tumours in children, and are associated with high mortality rate. A large number of these brain tumours are undiagnosed, until they increase to considerable size, due to the expansible nature of the skull in infants, and the capacity of the developing brain to compensate for neurological deficits. Most have non-specific neurological features. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is the radiological investigation of choice. The management of paediatric brain tumours entails multidisciplinary measures. Objectives: This is aimed at a general review of the management of paediatric brain tumours. Materials and methods: This study involved a review of existing literature using several search engines, such as Google scholar, Hinari, Scopus, Pubmed and other research tools. The search word was 'paediatric brain tumour, and also another search was the addition of 'Nigeria' to the earlier search words. Results: A total of 59 articles were seen which discussed childhood brain tumours, but 39 articles addressed paediatric brain tumours. Each was thoroughly reviewed and used in the framework of this manuscript. Conclusion: Paediatric brain tumours are heterogenous group of tumours, and presents with varied clinical features and most requires a multimodal approach of treatment.