Objective  To explore previous experiences in the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors in children to assist in early diagnosis and in obtaining reasonable treatment and improving prognosis.

  Methods  A total of 268 brain tumor cases admitted into the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from July 2005 to July 2010 were analyzed retrospectively.

  Results  The top five tumors were astrocytoma (87cases, 32.5%), medulloblastoma (50 cases, 18.7%), ependymoma (42 cases, 15.7%), craniopharyngioma (32 cases, 12.0%), and germinoma (14 cases, 5.4%). The main clinical manifestations were vomiting, headache, paralysis of limbs, instability of gait, convulsion, and impaired vision. Fifty-three cases (19, 8%) were misdiagnosed. Total resection was achieved in 230 cases (85.8%), whereas subtotal resection and partial resection were achieved in 29 cases (10.8%) and 6 cases (2.4%), respectively. Clinical cure was attained in 254 cases. After operation, 109 (40.6%) received radiotherapy and 55 (20.5%) received chemotherapy.

  Conclusion  Children's brain tumors have atypical clinical manifestations and longer courses. Misdiagnosis of children's brain tumors is a common phenomenon. Brain MRI and CT are the initial choices in the diagnosis. Surgical resection is the first selection to cure brain tumor in childhood. The Ommaya pump produces good result in the treatment of acute obstructive hydrocephalus. After operation, individual radiotherapy and chemotherapy are helpful for longer survival.