Nonmalignant meningioma and vestibular schwannoma incidence trends in the United States, 2004-2017

Abstract

Abstract Summary

Overview

Given increasing usage of mobile devices, this study addresses concerns about mobile phones as potential contributors to tumor risk, analyzing trends in nonmalignant meningioma and vestibular schwannoma incidences in the U.S. from 2004 to 2017.

Methods

• Incidence data for the tumors were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results 18 registries.
• Disease incidence was categorized into microscopically confirmed (MC) and radiographically confirmed (RGC) cases.
• Statistical estimates of annual percent changes (APCs) and confidence intervals (CIs) were computed using log-linear models.

Findings

Meningioma: An initial increase was noted in overall rates from 2004 to 2009, followed by slower growth through 2017. A significant disparity was observed between MC and RGC diagnosed tumor rates.

Vestibular Schwannoma: Overall rates remained stable, with decreases in MC diagnosed cases and increases in RGC diagnosed cases. Trends were similar across gender and racial/ethnic groups but varied by age and tumor size.

Conclusion

While initial findings might indicate rising tumor rates, subsequent analyses suggest that the stable rates do not support a direct association with mobile phone use. However, variations in data collection methods across registries highlight the need for standardized reporting to better understand these trends.

Lay Summary: This significant study investigates the possibility that mobile phone usage might be linked to the development of benign brain tumors. Despite variations in diagnosis methods, the study's expansive scope provides vital insights into temporal incidence trends.