Abstract

BackgroundBrain tumors are associated with relatively high mortality and morbidity in comparison with their low incidence. Little is known about primary brain tumors in Lebanon, as well as in the Arab world. This study aims to analyze the epidemiology of brain tumors across the Lebanese population.MethodsData from pathology reports of patients diagnosed with malignant and non-malignant primary brain tumors were collected retrospectively in an eleven-year period (2007-2017) from four medical centers in Lebanon. A total of 695 primary brain tumor cases (61% malignant and 39% non-malignant) were retrieved from different regions across the country.ResultsMeningiomas were the most common histology in this sample (29.6%), followed by glioblastomas (25.5%) and oligodendrogliomas (5.9%). Pituitary tumors were only 3.5% of brain tumors. Besides, the most common anatomical locations in malignant and non-malignant tumors were cerebral meninges (29.6%), the "other brain" category (21.3%), and the frontal lobe (11.2%). In children and adolescents, embryonal tumors (21%) were the most common histologies, while glioblastomas and meningiomas accounted for 14.8% and 13.6%, respectively.ConclusionLebanon presented a low rate of pituitary tumors and an unusually high percentage of malignant tumors, as well as pediatric glioblastomas and meningiomas. This should raise major concerns for policymakers to detect the possible underlying causes.

Highlights

  • According to the World Cancer Research Fund, brain and other central nervous system (CNS) tumors are ranked the 17th most common cancer in the world and account for 1.7% of all cancer, excluding nonmelanoma skin cancer [1]

  • Embryonal tumors (21%) were the most common histologies, while glioblastomas and meningiomas accounted for 14.8% and 13.6%, respectively

  • Data were retrieved from four medical centers across Lebanon: Institut National de Pathologie (INP) in Hadath; Hammoud Hospital University Medical Center (HHUMC) in South Lebanon; Al Zahraa Hospital University Medical Center (ZHUMC) in Beirut; and Sahel General Hospital (SGH) in Beirut

Read more

Summary

Introduction

According to the World Cancer Research Fund, brain and other central nervous system (CNS) tumors are ranked the 17th most common cancer in the world and account for 1.7% of all cancer, excluding nonmelanoma skin cancer [1]. Patel et al reported a 17.3% increase in central nervous system cancer between 1990 and 2016 Along with this surge in incident cases and despite their rarity, CNS tumors represent a disproportionally high source of morbidity and mortality worldwide [2,3]. These tumors cause a high burden on societies and health care systems because of their substantial malignant potential and the cost of the complex treatment required, ranging from chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and neurosurgery. This study aims to analyze the epidemiology of brain tumors across the Lebanese population

Objectives
Methods
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call