Hypothalamic tumors in children. Their diagnosis and management.

17 intrinsic hypothalamic tumors in infancy and childhood occurring between 1963 and 1973 were analyzed in detail because of the consistent mode of approach to diagnosis, therapy and follow-up care. Careful examination of the symptom-time sequence and location provided anatomical-clinical correlations and was even suggestive of the probable histologic type of lesion present. The postoperative and long-term management problems have led to significant conclusions. The best results were obtained with those patients who underwent craniotomy and biopsy, followed by irradiation therapy.