Brain Tumors

PRIMARY brain tumors account for slightly less than 10 per cent of nontraumatic neurologic diseases, and for the same proportion of deaths from all neoplastic disease. Their effect is relatively greater in pediatric practice, since brain tumors constitute the most common solid tumor in this age group. The incidence of metastatic brain tumors has increased steadily, undoubtedly because the successful treatment of tumors arising outside the central nervous system has prolonged the period of risk for Central-nervous-system metastases. Nonetheless, recent advances have enhanced the diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities that determine the immediate and long-term outlook for patients with intracranial tumors. . . .