OTHER-13 A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF BRAIN TUMOURS IN YAOUNDE CAMEROON.

Abstract

Abstract A brain tumour (BT) or intracranial tumour, is an abnormal mass of tissue where cells grow uncontrollably and unaffected by typical cell regulatory systems. In Sub-Saharan Africa, however, these tumours continue to go unnoticed. The aim of this 5-year retrospective study (January 2018 to March 2023), was to determine the relative frequency and histologic types of brain tumours that exist, and to analyze the costs of treatment and diagnostic methods used. The study was conducted within the oncology and neurosurgery departments of 2 Cameroonian hospitals: Yaoundé Central Hospital and Yaoundé General Hospital. A total of 78 complete case files, or 1.05% of all admissions to the various units, were analyzed. The male to female ratio was 0.95 (38M: 40F). 15.4% of cases involved patients below the age of 14. 84.6% involved patients 15years of age and above. 94.9% of the cases were primary brain tumours. In 60.3% of instances, individuals with primary brain tumours were between the ages of 22 and 57. Meningioma (30.8%) was the most common histological form, followed by astrocytoma (25.6%) and pituitary adenomas (16.7%). Most patients experienced symptoms of increased intracranial pressure, with headaches occurring 94.9% of the time. The average diagnostic cost was 235 000 CFA, average operation cost was 337 500 CFA, and average treatment cost was 750 000 CFA, putting the total cost at 1 322 500 CFA. The country's minimum wage is estimated at 40 000CFA (net income), with average household income of 100 000CFA.The age group that is most impacted is young adults, who were more likely to develop meningioma, astrocytoma, and pituitary adenomas than any other types of brain tumours. The total cost of treatment is 33 times the minimum wage or 13 times the average income. To evaluate the long-term outcome of patients with BTs, more research is required.