L. Kitanovski
Klinični oddelek za hematologijo in onkologijo, Pediatrična klinika, Univerzitetni klinični center Ljubljana, Ljubljana

B. Faganel Kotnik
Klinični oddelek za otroško hematologijo in onkologijo, Pediatrična klinika, Univerzitetni klinični center Ljubljana, Ljubljana

Abstract

Central nervous system (CNS) tumours are the most common solid tumours in children and adolescents. CNS tumours consist of brain tumours and spinal cord tumours. They all grow in the CNS, but otherwise, they are different diseases, with different biological courses, treatment approaches and prognoses. CNS tumours are the leading cause of death among the children with cancer. In survivors, the late sequelae of the disease and treatment are the most common and the most severe, therefore a multidisciplinary approach to the management of long-term survivors is essential. The late effects of the treatment are particularly pronounced in young children with CNS tumours, in whom they most often appear. The clinical pathway for the management of children with CNS tumours, the most common types of CNS tumours, treatment modalities and prognosis are described in the present article.

Key words: central nervous system, tumours, child, adolescent.