| Summary: | There is currently insufficient epidemiological data regarding the
incidence of intracranial tumours in South Africa and in particular
regionally, within Gauteng province. In this study, we aim to describe
epidemiological data pertaining to histologically confirmed
intracranial tumours at a large neurosurgery centre in
Johannesburg, South Africa and to compare this data to similar
international series. In addition, we will establish the frequency of
different histological types of tumours and identify differences in
prevalence of these tumours when the sample group has been
stratified by age , race and gender.
Methods:
Data collection was via a retrospective analysis of patient records,
operating theatre registries and histopathological reports for patients
diagnosed and treated at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital between
2004 and 2009. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using
variables: age, gender, race and histological types of tumours
Conclusion:
At our facility, the most common intracranial tumours noted were
meningiomas, pituitary adenomas, glioblastomas, medulloblastomas
and craniopharyngiomas. Black patients showed higher frequencies of
meningeal tumours and sellar region tumours. Tumours originating from
the cranial nerves and meninges were commoner in females.
Glioblastomas and craniopharyngiomas displayed a male
predominance. Intracranial tumours in general occurred in younger
patients at our facility than noted in the current literature. This trend was
especially evident in glioblastomas and meningiomas. The benefits of
both national and regional intracranial tumour registries in South
Africa, would include more accurate estimates of the tumour burden and
better resource allocation.
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