THE HISTOPATHOLOGICAL PATTERNS OF INTRACRANIAL NEOPLASMS IN THE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE HOSPITAL, IBADAN (JANUARY 1991 – DECEMBER 2007)

Abstract

The pattern of intracranial neoplasms in Nigeria has evolved over the years, with the
introduction of more 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. In this study brain 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 an overall gradual increase over the years from 26 cases in 1991 to 49 cases in
2007. There was male predominance with male: female ratio of 1.3:1. Neuroepithelial
neoplasms accounted for 32.8%, meningeal neoplasms 28.6%, and sellar region neoplasms
for 21.8% of cases. Primary neoplasms accounted for 91.3%, while metastatic neoplasms
accounted for 8.7% of cases. 21.6% of all CNS 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 CNS
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%). In 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.

THE HISTOPATHOLOGICAL PATTERNS OF INTRACRANIAL NEOPLASMS IN THE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE HOSPITAL, IBADAN (JANUARY 1991 – DECEMBER 2007)