Histopathological Pattern Of Intracranial Neoplasms In A Neurosurgical Centre In Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The pattern of intracranial neoplasms in Nigeria has evolved over the years, with the introduction of additional neurological facilities in each of the major geopolitical regions of the country. This study represents the most current and largest study from Ibadan, Nigeria, covering a 17-year period. Materials and Method: This was a 17-year histopathological review of all intracranial biopsies seen at the Department of Pathology, University College Hospital Ibadan. Results: Intracranial neoplasms accounted for 1.6% of 82,379 surgical biopsies seen and 0.8% of the 9,463 autopsies performed during the study period. There was a gradual increase over the years from 26 cases in 1991 to 49 cases in The male to female ratio was 1.3:1. Neuroepithelial neoplasms accounted for 32.8%, meningeal neoplasms 28.6%, and sellar region neoplasms for 21.8% of cases. 91.3% were primary, while 8.7% were metastatic neoplasms. 21.6% of all intracranial neoplasms were infratentorial, while 78.4% were supratentorial. The cerebral convexity, sellar region and posterior cranial fossa were the most common locations of intracranial neoplasms. Astrocytic neoplasms were the most frequent neuroepithelial neoplasms, with pilocytic astrocytomas accounting for 38.6% of the neuroepithelial neoplasms. Transitional meningiomas accounted for 44.6% of the meningeal neoplasms. Pituitary adenoma and craniopharyngioma comprised 14% and 7.9% of all intracranial neoplasms respectively. Metastatic neoplasms included rhabdomyosarcoma (16.1%), Burkitt’s lymphoma (9.7%), soft tissue sarcoma (6.5%), malignant melanoma (6.5%), thyroid carcinoma (6.5%) and choriocarcinoma (6.5%). Conclusion: The pattern of intracranial neoplasms displayed in this study reveals several interesting observations, which include similarities with previous published studies in West Africa and other parts of the world.