Descriptive Epidemiology of Spinal Meningiomas in the United States

Abstract

Study design: Cross-sectional study of US cancer registry data.

Objective: To present the current population-based descriptive epidemiology of spinal meningiomas in the United States.

Summary of background data: Meningioma is the most common primary spinal tumor, yet there is a paucity of population-based data evaluating incidence according to age, sex, race, and ethnicity. Such data are necessary to assess the burden of spinal meningiomas on varying populations and to inform health care planning and future research.

Methods: The Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, which contains the largest aggregation of population-based data on the incidence of primary central nervous system tumors in the United States, was used. Age-adjusted incidence rates of spinal meningiomas from 2004 to 2010 were calculated by age at diagnosis, sex, race, and ethnicity. Annual percent change was calculated using Joinpoint to characterize temporal trends.

Results: From 2004 to 2010, there were 7148 newly diagnosed spinal meningiomas, resulting in an overall age-adjusted incidence of 0.33 per 100,000 population. There was a nonsignificant increase in incidence over time (annual percent change: 0.8%, 95% confidence interval: -1.4 to 3.0). The highest incidence occurred in the 75- to 84-year old age group. Females had a much higher incidence than males (incidence rate ratio: 3.37; P < 0.0001). Asian Pacific Islanders and Caucasians had the highest incidence. Compared with Caucasians, African Americans and American Indian/Alaskan Native individuals had a significantly lower incidence (incidence rate ratio: 0.72, P < 0.0001; 0.52, P = 0.0003, respectively). Non-Hispanics had a significantly lower incidence than Hispanics (incidence rate ratio: 0.81, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion: Approximately 1000 spinal meningiomas were diagnosed in the United States per year, and the incidence was relatively stable. Advanced age, female sex, Asian Pacific Islander and Caucasian race, and Hispanic ethnicity were all associated with an increased incidence of spinal meningioma. This study represents the most comprehensive evaluation of population-based descriptive epidemiology of spinal meningiomas in the United States to date.

Level of evidence: 2.