Spectrum of Pediatric Brain Tumors in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Kerala, India: A 5-Year Study

Abstract

Abstract Background: Pediatric brain tumors include a spectrum of tumors that differ from their adult counterparts in location and biological behavior. It is also one of the most common causes of solid childhood cancer, being second only to hematological cancers. Aims and Objectives: We aim to study the distribution of pediatric brain tumors in a tertiary care hospital and their incidences according to age, gender, anatomical location, and histological types. Material and Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of the spectrum of pediatric brain tumors for a period of 5 years (January 2017–December 2021) in a tertiary care hospital in Kerala, India. A total of 111 children from the age of 0–18 years with histopathologically proven brain tumor diagnosis during the 5 years were included for the analysis. Results: The results showed that a total of 111 children had histologically proven brain tumors during the 5 years. Males had slightly more preponderance compared with females (59 boys and 52 girls). Infratentorial lesions were more common [59 (53.1%)]. The distribution in different age groups is as follows (1) 0–5 years—29 (26.1%), (2) 6–10 years—34 (30.6%), and (3) 11–18 years—48 (43.2%). Overall astrocytoma is the most common pediatric brain tumor [29 (26.1%)]. Conclusions: The study concluded that the pediatric brain tumors showed a slightly more male preponderance, infratentorial lesions were more common. Overall astrocytoma was the most common type of brain tumor.