A retrospective epidemiological study of the World Health Organization (WHO)-classified primary brain and other Central Nervous System (CNS) tumors from a tertiary health care center in Northeast India

Abstract

Brain and other central nervous systems (CNS) tumors are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms that are prevalent in all age groups and gender. The study aimed to investigate the pattern of distribution of World Health Organization (WHO) classified primary brain and other CNS tumors among different age groups and gender at a tertiary care center in Northeast India. This is the first study of CNS tumors from this region of the country. The data obtained can be useful for correct diagnosis, timely treatment, and management of CNS tumors in this area. It can also provide relevant information concerning research and funding for this disease. Data collection was done retrospectively from January 1996 to March 2022. Distribution frequency as per age, gender, histopathology type, and tumor location was estimated. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS software. A total of 1441 primary brain and other CNS tumors were examined in the study. There were 232 pediatric cases (16.1%) and 1209 adult cases (83.9%). The ratio of males to females was 1.4. The majority of the cases in the overall cohort were meningiomas (n = 346; 24%). Among the pediatric cohort, the maximum occurrence of gliomas, glioneuronal, and neuronal tumors (n = 68; 29.3%) was seen while meningiomas (n = 336; 27.8%) showed the highest prevalence in the adult cohort. There were 248 other distinct cases of CNS (17.2%) of which 62 (26.7%) were identified within the pediatric cohort and the remaining 186 (15.4%) were detected among the adult population. Most of the tumor sites was supratentorial areas (n = 759; 52.7%) with the next being spinal cord (n = 258; 18%). This is the first study from Northeast India that highlights the prevalence of WHO-classified CNS tumors. With newer and advanced health care and diagnostic facilities, there is an increased incidence of CNS tumors in developing countries. Our study may help in understanding the epidemiological aspects and highlight the need for research, funding, and maintenance of a hospital-based tumor registry for this particular ailment.