Epidemiological Profile of Malignant Brain Neoplasms in the Northern Region of Brazil: data from the Cancer Hospital Registry of the Instituto Nacional de Câncer

Abstract

Objective Tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) are considered rare, with an incidence of 3.4 cases per 100,000 individuals worldwide. Although uncommon, CNS tumors have been gaining epidemiological importance due to their increased incidence and mortality. In Brazil, there is a lack of population research regarding CNS cancer, especially in the Northern region. Thus, the authors aim to trace an epidemiological profile of malignant brain neoplasms in the Northern region from 2001 to 2013. Methods Data were collected from the Cancer Hospital Registry of the Instituto Nacional de Câncer (RHC-INCA, in the Portuguese acronym) and stratified according to origin, gender, age, detailed primary location, and histological type. A total of 742 cases were analyzed. Most of the cases came from inland areas, with a male predominance. Results The most affected age groups were between 0 and 9 years old and between 30 and 49 years old, with an accentuated decrease in incidence starting at the age of 70 years old. The frontal lobe was the most affected area, followed by the temporal and parietal lobes. Astrocytic tumors accounted for 64.3% of cases, followed by embryonal tumors (18.2%), and ependymal tumors (7.4%). Among the astrocytic tumors, astrocytoma, not otherwise specified (NOS), and glioblastoma, NOS corresponded to 82.2% of the cases. Among embryonal tumors, medulloblastoma accounted for 71.9% of the cases. Conclusion More epidemiological studies in this area, especially in the Northern region, are required to identify risk factors and allow prevention and early diagnosis.