Tumours of the central nervous system in infancy and childhood show so many di verse pathomorphological characteristics and present so many diagnostic problems that a congress dealing specifically with the subject and thus bringing together a wide range of experts in the field seemed called for. The programme of the congress, . held in Mainz between 22 and 24 October 1981, was designed to provide compre hensive coverage of diagnosis and the various therapeutic procedures, as well as of basic research in the field. The various lectures given are contained in this book, which thus reflects the complete spectrum of topics discussed. The interest generated by the congress amply justified our decision to organize it. Representatives of various specialities, such as neuropathology, paediatrics, on cology, radiology, neurosurgery, paediatric surgery and neurology, and, last but not least, basic research, provided lively and interesting lectures which admittedly raised more problems than they solved. In addition to the actual papers presented, we attached considerable importance to the different opinions voiced during the congress, as reflected in the discussions included at the end of each chapter."

Wenn auch die Fortschritte der Onkologie langsam, viel zu langsam er- kennbar sind, so mussen doch neue Entwicklungen - und mogen sie noch so sehr erwartet werden - kritisch vor dem Hintergrund wissenschaftlich fundierter langer Erfahrungen gesehen werden. So war es ein besonderes Anliegen dieses Buches, die weltweiten Erfahrun- gen klinischer Radio-Onkologie ihrer aktuellen Wertigkeit entsprechend zu- sammenzutragen, als Basis heutiger Onkologie zu sehen und im interdiszipli- naren Behandlungskonzept darzustellen. Fur den Auftrag, die Anregungen und die Initiative zu diesem Buch mochte ich meinem Lehrer, Herrn Prof. DIETHELM noch einmal sehr danken. Dusseldorf HORST DIETER PIROTH Preface Advances in oncology may be slow - far too slow - but new developments must, however keenly they are anticipated, be scanned critically against the background of long years of scientific experience. Thus in compiling this volume I was particularly concerned to show the importance of worldwide experiences in clinical radio-oncology as the basis of modern oncology and in the context of multidisciplinary treatment. I would like to take this opportunity to express my lasting gratitude to my teacher, Professor DIETHELM, for entrusting this volume to me and for his advice and encouragement. Dusseldorf HORST DIETER PIROTH Inhaltsverzeichnis - Contents Bindegewebstumoren A. Primare Sarkome des Skelettsystems. Von H.D. PIROTH und H. HOFFMANNS 1 I. Osteosarkom . . . . .