Brain Tumors Statistics 2019

Adult brain tumors have seen an increasing incidence in the U.S. over the last three decades.
An estimated 86,970 new cases of primary brain and CNS tumors are projected for 2019, including 26,170 malignant and 60,800 nonmalignant cases.
For children aged 0-14, 3,720 new cases of primary and nonmalignant brain tumors are expected in 2019.
Males are more frequently affected by brain tumors than females, across both pediatric and adult populations.
White Americans have a higher incidence of brain tumors compared to black Americans.

Brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer death in individuals aged 0-19, making them the most common cancer site for children aged 0-14.
Meningioma is the most frequently occurring primary brain tumor, accounting for 36.8% of cases.
Glioblastoma represents 14.9% of adult primary tumors and 47.1% of malignant primary tumors.

The largest percentage (15.4%) of childhood brain tumors are found in the frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital lobes.
Other significant locations include the cerebellum (15.2%) and brain stem (13.4%).

The exact causes of brain tumors remain unclear, with numerous environmental and behavioral risk factors under investigation.
Research on cell phone usage and industrial hazards has yielded inconclusive results.
95% of brain tumors are nonhereditary, although several hereditary CNS syndromes are associated with increased risk.
High doses of ionizing radiation, such as from atomic bombs, CT scans, and x-rays, are linked to an increased risk for primary brain tumors.
A history of allergy or atopic diseases, including eczema and asthma, is associated with a decreased risk for gliomas.

The World Health Organization (WHO) first introduced a universal classification system for CNS tumors in 1979, with updates in 2007 and 2016.
Tumors are graded from I to IV based on histologic characteristics, with the 2016 update incorporating genetic molecular characteristics for classification.
Enhanced classification aims to improve treatment effectiveness by providing more specific tumor identification.

Primary brain tumors originate within the CNS, unlike metastatic tumors that spread from other systemic cancer sites.
Gliomas are a type of primary tumor, arising from brain's supportive tissues, predominantly located in the cerebral hemispheres, but also in the brain stem, optic nerve, and spinal cord.
In children, gliomas are commonly found in the cerebellum.

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