[Epidemiological and classification aspects of nervous system tumors]

The data obtained from various surveys of the epidemiology of the CNS tumors in different countries were analyzed. It was noted, the incidence of primary CNS tumors remains within the limits of 5-12.5 cases per 100,000 people, and depends on number of factors (e.g. sex, age, place of residence, etc.). Metastases double the incidence of all CNS tumors. The estimated incidence of tumors of the nervous system in Russia and particularly Moscow are given in the paper. The analysis of the data cells for the improvement in the organization of the medical care of this group of patients. With this respect the second WHO histological classification of CNS tumors (WHO, 1993) is critically analyzed. Based on the experience at the Burdenko Neurosurgical Institute (over 10,000 brain biopsies), a modified WHO neuropathological classification is suggested. The classification may be useful in research projects, and may facilitate the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and final assessment of the outcome. Series of documents of this kind help to make the evaluation of the activities of neurosurgical departments more objective, as well as to make the statistics more reliable.