Histologically Confirmed Intracranial Tumors Managed at Enugu, Nigeria

There is controversy about the global distribution of intracranial tumors (ICTs). The previous reports from Africa suggested low frequency and different pattern of distribution of brain tumors from what obtains in other continents. The limitations at that time, including paucity of diagnostic facilities and personnel, have improved.

The objective of this study is to analyze the current trend and distribution of histology confirmed brain tumors managed in Enugu, in a decade.

A retrospective analysis of ICTs managed between 2006 and 2015 at Memfys Hospital, Enugu. Only cases with conclusive histology report were analyzed. The World Health Organization ICT classification was used.

This study reviewed 252 patients out of 612 neuroimaging diagnosed brain tumors. Mean age was 42.8 years and male-to-female ratio was 1.2:1.0. Annual frequency increased from 11 in 2006 to 55 in 2015. Metastatic brain tumors accounted for 5.6%, and infratentorial tumors represented 16.3%. Frequency of the common primary tumors were meningioma (32.9%), glioma (23.8%), pituitary adenomas (13.5%), and craniopharyngioma (7.5%) (P = 0.001). Vestibular schwannoma accounted for 1.2%. Meningioma did not have gender difference (P = 0.714). Medulloblastoma, glioma, and craniopharyngioma were the most common pediatric tumors. About 8.7% presented unconscious (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between radiology and histology diagnosis (P = 0.932).

Meningioma is the most frequent tumor with increasing male incidence, but the frequency of glioma is increasing. Metastasis, acoustic schwannoma, lymphoma, and germ cell tumors seem to be uncommon. Late presentation is the rule.