Incidence of craniopharyngioma in Denmark (n = 189) and estimated world incidence of craniopharyngioma in children and adults

We studied the incidence of craniopharyngioma in Denmark during the period 1985–2004 and estimated worldwide incidence rates (IR) of craniopharyngioma based on a literature review. Craniopharyngioma patients diagnosed during the period 1985–2004 were identified from the Danish National Patient Registry, the Danish Cancer Registry and regional registries. Medical records were reviewed. Danish population data were obtained from Statistics Denmark. European and World population data were obtained from EU and WHO homepages. Prior studies providing data on craniopharyngioma IRs were identified via PubMed and, if appropriate, were included in a weighted analysis estimating overall and children’s IRs of craniopharyngioma. IRs are given as new cases per million per year. We identified 189 patients with new verified (162) or probable craniopharyngioma. The overall WHO World-standardised incidence rate was 1.86 (1.60–2.14) for all ages and 2.14 (1.53–2.92) for children (age <15 years). Peak incidence rates were observed in age groups 5–9 and 40–44 years. Fifteen prior studies (including 1,232 craniopharyngioma cases) were identified. Seven and 11 studies, respectively, were eligible for weighted all-ages and childhood population IR analyses, yielding summary IRs of 1.34 (1.24–1.46) (all ages) and 1.44 (1.33–1.56) (children). We have provided a detailed survey of the incidence of craniopharyngioma in Denmark during a recent 20-year period. Overall IR of craniopharyngioma in Denmark was 1.86 (1.60–2.14) as compared to 2.14 (1.53–2.92) among children. Weighted estimates of craniopharyngioma world IRs were 1.34 (1.24–1.46) in all ages and 1.44 (1.33–1.56) among children.