Changing trends of brain tumors at Kenyatta national hospital in Kenya: a 12 year picture

Abstract

Introduction: Brain tumors are a multifaceted disease with about fifty different pathological kinds. These tumors are becoming more common over the world.   Gliomas are the most prevalent histological type of brain tumor, accounting for more than 70% of all cases. Recent studies, on the other hand, suggest that global trends are shifting. As a result, this study examines recent data from a tertiary referral center in Kenya, compares current trends to past trends reported from same location, and highlights changes that have occurred. Methodology: Data from the University of Nairobi's Department of Pathology's cancer database for a period of 12 years (2005-2016) was reviewed. Results: Brain tumors were found in 5.8% of the population. The most common age categories for diagnosis of brain tumors were 0-5 years and 51-55 years, both at 8.8%. Female patients (58.2%) presented with more brain tumors than male patients. Meningiomas were the most common histological diagnosis (44.8%), followed by gliomas (34%). Conclusion: The frequency of various histological types of brain tumors, as well as their gender and age distribution, are changing over time in this region. Meningiomas are now more prevalent than gliomas. More efforts should be put toward the identification, diagnosis, and treatment of these tumors, as well as a constant evaluation of overall patterns and trends in brain cancers.