Analyzing the Histopathological Spectrum of Central Nervous System Tumours at a Tertiary Care Centre: A One Year Prospective Study

Abstract

This chapter aims to analyse the histopathological spectrum of Central nervous system (CNS) tumours irrespective of age in a single institution. CNS tumors are a distinct and heterogeneous group of neoplasms that include both benign and malignant neoplasms. Because of their variable presentation and overlapping morphological features, these tumors are challenging to diagnose. Immunohistochemistry aids in the resolution of diagnostic challenges in challenging instances. The age distribution of CNS tumours is said to be bimodal. Males are involved more frequently, meningiomas being exception.

This  one year prospective study was conducted, at the department of pathology, ASRAM from 2016 to 2017. Neurosurgical specimens were formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded and stained with Haematoxylin and eosin. Immunohistochemical markers were used in specific cases like S-100, CD-45, etc. In our investigation, 72 brain neoplasms were examined.

The findings showed that  Neuroepithelial tumours (25) were most common, followed by meningothelial tumours (22), tumours of sellar origin(12), tumours of cranial and paraspinal nerves(5), metastatic tumours(4) and others (4). The current study emphasizes the histological variability of CNS tumors in different age groups. The greatest incidence of CNS tumors was observed in the fourth to fifth decade. After the age of 40, meningiomas and astrocytomas were prevalent tumors. Among astrocytomas, GBM was the most prevalent. Immunohistochemistry was useful in difficult instances.