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. 2017 Apr;5(1):16-23.
doi: 10.14791/btrt.2017.5.1.16. Epub 2017 Apr 30.

An Updated Nationwide Epidemiology of Primary Brain Tumors in Republic of Korea, 2013

Yun-Sik Dho  1 , Kyu-Won Jung  2 , Johyun Ha  2 , Youngbeom Seo  3 , Chul-Kee Park  1 , Young-Joo Won  2 , Heon Yoo  4
Affiliations

An Updated Nationwide Epidemiology of Primary Brain Tumors in Republic of Korea, 2013

Yun-Sik Dho et al. Brain Tumor Res Treat. 2017 Apr.

Abstract

Background: This report aims to provide accurate nationwide epidemiologic data on primary brain and central nervous system (CNS) tumors in the Republic of Korea. We updated the data by analyzing primary brain and CNS tumors diagnosed in 2013 using the data from the national cancer incidence database.

Methods: Data on primary brain and CNS tumors diagnosed in 2013 were collected from the Korean Central Cancer Registry. Crude and age-standardized rates were calculated in terms of gender, age, and histological type.

Results: A total of 11,827 patients were diagnosed with primary brain and CNS tumors in 2013. Brain and CNS tumors occurred in females more often than in males (female:male, 1.70:1). The most common tumor was meningioma (37.3%). Pituitary tumors (18.0%), gliomas (12.7%), and nerve sheath tumors (12.3%) followed in incidence. Glioblastomas accounted for 41.8% of all gliomas. In children (<19 years), sellar region tumors (pituitary and craniopharyngioma), embryonal/primitive/medulloblastoma, and germ cell tumors were the most common tumors.

Conclusion: This study should provide valuable information regarding the primary brain tumor epidemiology in Republic of Korea.

Keywords: Brain; Central nervous system; Epidemiology; Korea; Registries; Tumors.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no financial conflicts of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1. Distribution of primary brain and CNS tumors according to sex and behavior, Republic of Korea, 2013. CNS, central nervous system.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2. Distribution of all brain and CNS tumors according to topography, Republic of Korea, 2013. CNS, central nervous system.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3. Distribution of primary brain and CNS tumors according to age for selected histology, Republic of Korea, 2013. CNS, central nervous system.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4. Distribution of brain and CNS tumors according to the histology, Republic of Korea, 2013. NOS, not otherwise specified; CNS, central nervous system.
Fig. 5
Fig. 5. Incidence according to sex and histology, Republic of Korea, 2013. NOS, not otherwise specified.
Fig. 6
Fig. 6. Distribution of primary brain and CNS tumors according to histology in children, Republic of Korea, 2013. CNS, central nervous system; NOS, not otherwise specified.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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