Symptomatic Prediagnostic Interval in Pediatric Brain Tumors: A 5-Year Retrospective Study

Background Pediatric brain tumors are the most common solid neoplasms in children. Delayed diagnosis can negatively impact prognosis, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Objective To describe the diagnostic interval from symptom onset to confirmed diagnosis in pediatric patients with brain tumors treated at the Hospital de Pediatría "Dr. Silvestre Frenk Freund," National Medical Center "Siglo XXI” between 2018 and 2023. Methods A retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted on patients aged 0–17 years diagnosed with primary brain tumors. Data were extracted from clinical records, including demographics, clinical presentation, histopathology, and diagnostic intervals. Results Among 58 patients, the mean diagnostic interval was nine months, ranging from one day to over 120 months. Suprasellar tumors had the longest intervals, while infratentorial tumors had the shortest. The most frequent initial symptoms were headache (n = 27), cranial nerve involvement (n = 22), and vomiting (n = 21). Most patients required 3–4 consultations before receiving a correct diagnosis. Conclusions The diagnostic interval for pediatric brain tumors in this setting was significantly longer than international standards. Educational interventions for primary care physicians are essential to improve early recognition and referral.