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Understanding Brain Cancer: Types and Prevalence
Introduction to Brain Cancer
Brain cancer, also known as intracranial neoplasms, encompasses a variety of malignant tumors that originate within the brain or its surrounding tissues. These tumors can significantly impact brain function by pressing on surrounding nerves, blood vessels, and tissues, leading to increased intracranial pressure, edema, restricted blood flow, and displacement of healthy tissue.
Common Types of Brain Tumors
Glioblastoma
Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive malignant primary brain tumor. It accounts for a significant portion of all malignant brain tumors and is known for its poor prognosis and limited response to standard treatments such as concurrent chemoradiation . Glioblastomas are more prevalent in males compared to females .
Meningioma
Meningiomas are the most common non-malignant brain tumors, originating from the meninges, the protective layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord. These tumors are generally benign and are more frequently diagnosed in females. Treatment often involves surgical resection, with radiation therapy and chemotherapy reserved for high-risk or refractory cases .
Other Common Tumors
Other notable brain tumors include pilocytic astrocytomas, ependymomas, and medulloblastomas in children, and diffuse astrocytic tumors, oligodendrogliomas, and meningiomas in adults. These tumors vary widely in their behavior, treatment options, and prognosis.
Epidemiology and Incidence Rates
The incidence of brain tumors varies by type, age, sex, and race. The average annual age-adjusted incidence rate (AAAIR) for all malignant and non-malignant brain and other CNS tumors in the United States is approximately 24.71 per 100,000 population. This rate is higher in females compared to males and in non-Hispanic individuals compared to Hispanic individuals .
Incidence in Children and Adolescents
In children and adolescents (ages 0-19 years), the incidence rate of all primary brain and other CNS tumors is around 6.20 per 100,000 population. Malignant brain tumor incidence rates have shown a slight increase among children and adolescents over recent years.
Mortality and Survival Rates
Brain tumors are among the most fatal cancers, with significant mortality rates. Between 2015 and 2019, there were 84,264 deaths attributed to malignant brain and other CNS tumors in the United States, representing an average annual mortality rate of 4.41 per 100,000 population. The five-year relative survival rate for malignant brain tumors is approximately 35.7%, while for non-malignant brain tumors, it is significantly higher at 91.8%.
Conclusion
Brain cancer encompasses a diverse group of tumors with varying incidence, treatment options, and survival rates. Glioblastoma and meningioma are the most common malignant and non-malignant brain tumors, respectively. Despite advances in treatment, brain tumors remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, highlighting the need for continued research and improved therapeutic strategies.
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