[Primary central nervous system tumours reported in Cartagena, 2001-2006].

Objectives: Determining the frequency of primary central nervous system tumours diagnosed in Cartagena; Colombia, from 2001-2006 and determining the demographic, epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients having central nervous system tumours reported by a single institution in Cartagena between 2001 and 2006.

Methods: A passive epidemiological surveillance descriptive study was carried out. The pathology reports of new diagnosed central nervous system primary tumours from all laboratories in Cartagena were taken and the available clinical records regarding these cases were analysed. The overall incidence rate and incidence rates by year, gender, age and histological type were estimated, with 95 % confidence intervals. Standardised morbidity rates were also calculated.

Results: There were 390 such cases during 2001-2006. The overall incidence rate was 6.91/100,000 people-year. Meningiomas were the most frequently occurring histological types (3.46/100,000 people-year). The provenance could only be determined in 43.1 % of cases. Standardised morbidity rates were higher in Cartagena regarding those reported in the United States and by the Colombian National Cancer Institute and the Population-based Cali Cancer Registry.

Conclusions: There was a higher incidence of primary central nervous system tumours in Cartagena than in the rest of the country. Registry and surveillance systems should be improved and research into risk factors encouraged.