Epidemiology of primary central nervous system tumors in Estonia.

During the period from 1986 to 1996, 1,665 cases of primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors were identified in the resident population of Estonia. Histological verification was available in 81% of the cases. Gliomas were more common in men, while meningiomas and neurinomas were more common in women. No significant difference was observed between the sexes for all primary CNS tumors. The age-specific incidence increased from the age of 30, reached a maximum in the age range of 50-69 years and declined in the elderly which may reflect under-diagnosis. The age-adjusted incidence rate for CNS tumors was 8.5/100,000 population. A comparison of our results with those of a previous study carried out in Estonia revealed a significant histology-specific increase in incidence in all age groups.