Malignant brain tumors are one of the most important causes of death in pediatric age group. Even though there are some hints, evidenced data about the etiology is stil scarce. Ionizing radiation, N-nitroso compounds, pesticides, tobacco smoke, electromagnetic frequencies, infectious agents, parental occupational exposures, and medications can be listed as probable risk factors. The advances in technology, mainly in molecular biology and genetics, progressively contribute to the understanding of this unsolved problem. There is consensus about the cancerogenic effect of N-nitroso compounds and preventive role of vitamins.
Key words: brain, cancer, child, epidemiology, etiology, tumor
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