The authors (both at the department of DNA diagnostics, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona) summarize currently available clinical and epidemiological information on neural tumors in the form of text and 120 tables presenting cytogenetic changes for each tumor. The fact that genetic cause has not been rigorously established for the tumors and the idea of multiple genetic factors have led the authors to a more compendial approach in presenting the information. The information is presented in chapters covering benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors (neurofibromas, schwannomas, and perineuriomas); malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors; meningioma; hemangioblastoma of the central nervous system; paraganglioma and pheochromocytoma; atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors of the central nervous system; neuroblastoma and related tumors; medulloblastoma, primitive neuroectodermal tumors, and pineal tumors; and key mechanisms and pathways. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)