Introduction
Brain tumors are the most common solid tumors diagnosed among children below 15 years worldwide. However, little is known about the profile of pediatric brain tumors in Africa. The purpose of this study was to further elaborate the epidemiological profile of pediatric brain tumors in Africa, specifically Morocco.
Methods
A retrospective review was conducted of all patients with primary brain tumors in the age group 0–19 years, from 2003 to 2007, from multiple centers in two cities of Rabat and Casablanca, Morocco. Only patients with histopathological confirmation were included (n=542). Descriptive epidemiologic profiles were created for the patients by age, sex, and histological subtypes of brain tumors.
Results
Overall medulloblastoma was the most common brain tumor (34.5%), followed by pilocytic astrocytoma (17.3%) and diffuse astrocytoma grade 2 (12.5%). Brain tumors occurred most commonly in 5–9-year age group followed by 10–14-year age group with the former being more common among males and the latter being more common among females. We also found medulloblastoma to be the most common brain tumor in the 0–14-year-olds.
Conclusions
In this rare study focused on pediatric brain tumors in Morocco, most of the findings were consistent with past studies from other parts of the world. However, we found medulloblastoma to be the most common pediatric brain tumor followed by astrocytoma.
BackgroundOn behalf of the medical staff of the National Institute of Oncology of Rabat, we conducted a retrospective study to report epidemiology and 5-year outcomes of cervical carcinoma in Moroccan women.MethodsWe reviewed all women diagnosed with invasive cervical carcinoma in our institute between January 2006 and December 2006. Outcomes and prognoses are analyzed in patients who received at least one treatment.ResultsThe analysis included 646 women. Median age was 50 years (23–85 years). Bleeding was the most frequent symptom (95 %). The most predominant histology was squamous cell carcinoma (94 %). The majority of patients were diagnosed at locally advanced stages (88 %). Among patients who received treatment (n = 550), the management was based on concurrent chemoradiotherapy in 69.7 % of cases. The median duration of follow-up was 60 months (range 2–78 months). Overall survival, progression free survival, and locoregional recurrence free survival were 63.2, 60.7 and 79.1 % respectively. Significant poor prognostic factors in univariate analysis included stage, tumor size, lymph node involvement, anemia and absence of response to radiotherapy. The prognostic significance of response to radiotherapy and stage were retained in multivariate analysis.ConclusionCervical cancer in our Institute is diagnosed at locally advanced stages. Two third of patients were treated by concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Outcome of Moroccan patients are comparable to that of western countries. Significant prognostic factors were stage, tumor size, lymph node involvement, anemia, and response to radiotherapy. The way to reduce the global burden of cervical cancer in our country continues to be the development of vaccination and screening programs.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12905-016-0342-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Radiation induced Lumbosacral plexophaty (RILP) is a rare but severe complication that has a considerable impact on quality of life. Its occurrence is rare but increasing with improved long-term cancer survival. This entity commonly results in different degrees of sensory and motor deficits. The pathophysiological mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Diagnosis of radiation myelopathy in women with gynecologic malignancies may increase with the use of concomitant chemo-radiation. This report describes the effect of this combination therapy in a 64-year-old woman with cervical carcinoma.
<b>PURPOSE</b>: Leiomyosarcoma of the breast is extremely rare. To date, the factors that are predictive of patient prognosis have not been identified. To clarify the nature of leiomyosarcoma of the breast, and also to establish the proper treatment strategy, we report this case We report this case while discussing The Clinical presentation, diagnosis, therapy and pathologic feature. <b>INTRODUCION</b>: Sarcomas comprise less than 1% of all primary breast neoplasms and only a minority of these are leiomyosarcomas. There were only 35 cases being reported in English literature. The mainstay of treatment is surgical excision with clear margins and longterm followup is essential. Its prognosis is better compared to other breast sarcoma. <b>CASE PRESENTATION</b>: We report a case of primary leiomyosarcoma of the breast occurring in young female patient which was successfully treated by surgery and radiotherapy. <b>CONCLUSION</b>: According to literature data, primary leiomyosarcoma is characterized by a better prognosis compared with other breast sarcomas, To date, the factors that are predictive of patient prognosis have not been identified. .The rarity and diagnostic difficulty imposed a multidisciplinary approach
Background Ependymomas are rare adult tumors that originate from the ventricular system or the ependymal surface of the central canal. Extra-axial supratentorial ependymomas are extremely rare, and only five cases have been reported to date in the English literature. Case presentation A 46-year-old previously healthy male presented with a gradual painless loss of vision in the right eye. Cerebral MRI showed a right parietal-occipital lesion resembling an atypical meningioma. Surgical resection was performed, and immunohistochemical staining results concluded that it was a very uncommon location of a grade 3 ependymoma. Favorable outcome was observed one year after completion of postoperative radiotherapy. Conclusion Clinical and imaging aspects are misleading in rare brain tumors, and immunohistochemistry is essential to re-address diagnosis.
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