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Brain tumors in children at Ramathibodi Hospital
Insights
This study analyzed pediatric brain tumors in Thai children, finding malignant astrocytoma most common. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes in childhood brain tumor patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Neuro-oncology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Brain tumors are the second most common childhood neoplasm.
- There is a lack of comprehensive studies on pediatric brain tumors in Thailand.
- This study addresses this gap by analyzing data from a major Thai hospital.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of brain tumors in Thai children.
- To identify common brain tumor types and their locations.
- To emphasize the need for early diagnosis and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 427 pediatric patients diagnosed with primary intracranial tumors between 1971 and 1987.
- Data collected included patient demographics, clinical presentation, tumor type, and location.
- Analysis of male to female ratio, age distribution, duration of illness, and common symptoms.
Main Results:
- Malignant astrocytoma was the most common overall tumor type.
- Craniopharyngioma was the most frequent supratentorial tumor (51/209).
- Medulloblastoma was the most common infratentorial tumor (95/216).
- Headache, vomiting, and papilledema were the most prevalent symptoms.
- The majority of patients (over 70%) presented within 3 months of symptom onset.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric brain tumors exhibit diverse clinical presentations and types in Thailand.
- Malignant astrocytoma, craniopharyngioma, and medulloblastoma are significant concerns.
- Timely diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential for better patient outcomes.
Abstract:
Brain tumors remain the second most common neoplasm of childhood, however, there is no adequate study of this disease in Thai children. From the year 1971 to 1987, 468 children under 15 years of age were admitted to the Department of Pediatrics, Ramathibodi hospital with the diagnosis of brain tumor. Four hundred and forty-four patients had primary intracranial tumors, of these, 17 were excluded due to inadequate information and the remaining 427 patients were studied. Male to female ratio was 1.3:1, the age ranged from one day old to 14 years old. The duration of illness before admission ranged from a few days to 4 years, with over 70 per cent within 3 months. Headache, vomiting and papilledema were the three most common symptoms and signs. Supratentorial and infratentoral tumors were seen in 209 and 216 patients respectively, craniopharyngioma was the most common supratentorial tumor (51/209) and medulloblastoma was the most common infratentorial tumor (95/216), however, malignant astrocytoma is the overall most common tumor type. Early diagnosis and treatment were needed for good outcome.