Frequency of primary central nervous system tumors in a tertiary hospital, Cairo, Egypt

Abstract

Introduction: In Egypt, few epidemiologic reports have highlighted the national and regional epidemiologic data regarding primary CNS tumors. In this study we aim to identify the frequency of various primary CNS tumors and to demonstrate the age group distribution, gender, topographic data and the different histopathologic types among our patients. Materials and Methods: Data on all cases of primary CNS neoplasms received at Pathology department of Ain Shams University Specialized hospital in addition to a referral neuropathology lab during the period from 2010 to 2015 were collected with a total number of 996 cases. The patients were divided according to their age into two main groups, pediatric group including children and adolescents (from 0-18 years), and adult group (> 18 years). Patients’ demographic data and histopathologic tumor types were analyzed. Result: Frequency of primary CNS tumors among males was higher than females (51.7% vs. 49.3% respectively). Regarding patient age, frequency among adults was (89.4%) compared to pediatric age group (10.6%). Gliomas were the most common primary CNS tumors in adults (35%) followed by meningiomas (33.3%) then pituitary adenomas (15.6%); while in pediatric group embryonal tumors (17%) were the second most common following gliomas (59.4%). Conclusion: This study highlighted the frequency, spectrum and prominent features of primary CNS tumors among Egyptian patients, in comparison to many worldwide reports. This study recommends the establishment of specialized national center for CNS tumors in Egypt; this will provide efficient registry system and accurate data analysis for these tumors. Keywords: Epidemiology, CNS tumors, Egypt, Pediatric, Glioma, Meningioma.