PEDIATRIC MORTALITY PROFILE DUE TO MALIGNANT BRAIN TUMOR IN BRAZIL BETWEEN 2012 AND 2022

Abstract

Malignant neoplasms of the central nervous system account for approximately 30% of all neoplasm-related deaths in pediatric patients, with the brain being the most affected region in this population. These brain tumors are classified into 10 subtypes based on their topographic location. Mortality and population data were collected from the Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde e Ambiente, e Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (DATASUS) and tabulated using Excel. A total of 4,370 deaths were recorded during the analyzed period, with the Southeast region reporting the highest number, 1,753 deaths. In contrast, the South and Central-West regions had the lowest numbers of total deaths, with 619 and 381, respectively. In 2012, 458 deaths were recorded, marking the highest mortality rate during the period. The sex, race, and age group with the highest mortality rates were males (2,312 deaths), the white population (2,222 deaths), and children aged 5 to 9 years (1,605 deaths). The brain, excluding the lobes and ventricles, accounted for the highest number of deaths (1,152), while the parietal lobe had the lowest number. Overall, understanding these data helps inform public health policies and supports the implementation of new treatment technologies aimed at reducing mortality rates.