Epidemiology of Meningioma in the United Kingdom

Background: Data on the epidemiology and aetiology of meningioma are limited. Methods:The Health Improvement Network UK primary care database was used to ascertain incident cases of meningioma between January 1996 and June 2008. Ten thousand controls analysis were frequency-matched by age, sex and year. A nested case control analysis was performed to determine risk factors for meningioma. Results:The incidence of meningioma was 5.30 per 100,000 person-years over the study period. The incidence was higher in women than in men (7.19 vs. 3.05 per 100,000 person-years). Cerebrovascular disease (OR 1.86; 95% CI 1.46-2.36) and a history of cancer, thyroid disease, epilepsy, migraine and headache and exposure to antiepileptics were significantly associated with an increased risk of meningionna. Ischemic heart disease and exposure to antiepileptics were associated with a decreased risk of meningionna. Conclusions: The incidence of meningioma in the UK remained stable over the 12-year study period and was twofold higher in women than men. Although the prevalence and incidence of meningioma remained stable during the study, further research into risk factors and predisposing conditions for the onset of meningioma and early symptoms of tumor development is warranted to improve prevention and early diagnosis of this disease. Copyright (C) 102012 S. Karger AG, Basel