Pediatric brainstem tumors. Classifications, investigations, and growth patterns.

Brainstem gliomas occur in 10-20% of brain tumors in pediatrics. Over the past 3 decades, the treatment of brainstem gliomas has significantly progressed as a result of the gradual advancements in microsurgical techniques, sophisticated imaging technology and, most importantly, the availability of MRI. In this article, we review the current literature on brainstem gliomas and cover diagnosis, imaging, classification, and management. Surgical approaches and intraoperative modalities to tackle operable cases of brainstem gliomas will be discussed in a follow up article.