Background: To study the spectrum of CNS tumors in different age groups, locations, clinical presentations, their radiological and histo-pathological profile in local population of Kanpur. Methods: This study includes 119 radiologicaly diagnosed and operated cases of CNS tumors, registered between Sept. 2014 to Aug. 2017 in Pathology Department, RMCH and RC and various other hospitals, Kanpur and classified according to WHO 2007 classification along with grading (WHO Gr.I to Gr.IV) of tumors. Results: A wide range of histopathological spectrum of CNS tumors was observed. Overall tumors of neuroepithelial tissue (47.9%) was the most common entity followed by tumors of meninges (25.2%), cranial and spinal cord nerves (19.3%), metastatic tumors (4.2%), tumors of sellar region (1.7%) and lymphomas (1.7%). The most common CNS tumors found in childhood (1st and 2nd decade) were ependymoma (5.04%), low grade astrocytoma (3.36%) and medulloblastoma (1.68%). In adults (3rd to 6th decade) astrocytic tumors (21.0%) comprise the most common group followed by meningiomas (16.8%). While in elderly (>60 years) astrocytomas (10.1%) were most common followed by meningiomas (6.7%). Out of 119 cases, 80 (67.2%) were supratentorial, 24 (20.2%) infratentorial and 15 (12.6%) spinal. Most common presenting symptom in supratentorial tumors were headache (67.22%), seizure (47.89%) and motor weakness (37.81%) while in CPA tumors hearing loss and ataxia were the most common symptoms. Spinal tumors mainly presented with motor weakness and urinary symptom. Conclusions: Frequency of CNS tumors in local population in different age groups was found to be similar to studies conducted in different parts of India.

Keyword: WHO; CNS; CPA.