Intraoperative Consultation in the Diagnosis of Pediatric Brain Tumors

Abstract

Abstract Context.—The prevalence of brain tumors in the pediatric population differs from that in the adult population. Similarly, the frequency and location of the different histologic types of brain tumors vary significantly between the pediatric and adult populations. Objective.—To familiarize the pathologist with the pediatric brain tumors encountered during intraoperative consultation and with the appropriate differential diagnoses in this setting. Data Sources.—The medical literature and the author's experience and expertise. Conclusion.—Compared with adult brain tumors, pediatric brain tumors present different challenges and distinct differential diagnoses that the pathologist should be aware of during intraoperative consultation.