Epidemiology Specifications of Central Nervous System Tumors in the Fifth of Azar Hospital, Gorgan, Iran

Because of tissue variety, signs, symptoms, and higher mortality and morbidity, central nervous system (CNS) tumors are of special importance in diagnosis and treatment. Knowledge of the epidemiology of these tumors helps with health system planning. This study aimed to obtain more data on the epidemiologic specifications of these neoplasms.

This descriptive-analytical study focuses on 141 patients (58 Male and 83 female) with CNS tumors who visited the 5th Azar Hospital, Gorgan, Iran, during 2013-17. All the data were obtained from hospital medical records in the Neurosurgery and Oncology Department. All demographic data were recorded, such as age, sex, tumor type, signs, symptoms, and risk factors. In cases with incomplete data, the files were completed with interviews and phone calls.

The tumors in 94 (66.6%) patients were benign, and 47 (33.3%) patients had malignant and metastatic tumors. The most common signs were headache (n=43, 30.5%) and convulsion (n=24, 17%). No relationship was found between CNS tumors, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia.

Regarding the high mortality of CNS tumors, early adequate attention to signs and symptoms helps earlier diagnosis. However, more studies on larger samples are needed to find more risk factors.