Pruritus and brain tumours: A prospective and descriptive study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Dermatology
• Oncology

Background:

• Pruritus, particularly localized to the nostrils, has been suggested as a specific indicator of brain tumors.
• This symptom's association with intracranial neoplasms requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of pruritus in patients diagnosed with brain tumors.
• To characterize the nature of pruritus in this patient group using questionnaires and skin examinations.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, monocentric study included 200 patients with brain tumors from June 2020 to September 2021.
• Patients experiencing pruritus underwent dermatological examinations and completed specific questionnaires, including the NP5 for neuropathic pruritus.

Main Results:

• Out of 200 patients, 35 (17.5%) reported pruritus.
• Of those with pruritus, 15 had no identifiable skin disease, and 8 met criteria for neuropathic pruritus.
• Notably, no patients presented with pruritus localized to the nostrils.

Conclusions:

• The study found no clear evidence that brain tumors specifically induce localized pruritus.
• Pruritus in brain tumor patients is often unrelated to the malignancy itself.
• Nostril pruritus cannot be considered a specific marker for brain tumors.