The dilemma of childhood optic gliomas

Abstract

A retrospective series reviewing 28 cases of optic glioma in childhood is reported from the Columbus Children''s Hospital. The literature is reviewed from a clinical and pathological standpoint. In the pathological literature there is support for consideration of these lesions as a neoplastic entity, but none for designation of these gliomas as hamartomas. An approach to the management of optic gliomas is presented. Treatment should be tailored to the individual patient. No clear therapeutic protocol appears to be supported by available data.