Meningioma Explained

Meningiomas are generally slow-growing benign tumors that originate in the meninges — the membranes that cover and surround the brain. Meningiomas are located outside the brain but as the tumor grows it can press on the underlying brain and adjacent nerves and cause neurological symptoms and disability. They can be located anywhere in the intracranial compartment and are often associated with brain swelling or edema. They can be superficially originating at the convexity or deeper and hidden under the brain when located at the skull base.

Meningiomas are generally diagnosed in the fifth to the seventh decade of life. Meningiomas are more common in women.

The size of Meningioma varies from very small tumors to formidable size tumors. Around 80% of Meningiomas are benign or grade 1, the remaining 20% are called atypical or grade 2 and they have an increased risk of recurrence after treatment. Malignant variety of Meningioma is a rare occurrence

The signs and symptoms associated with Meningiomas tumor are gradual and directly related to the location of the tumor and which part of the brain or which nerves the tumor is pressing upon. Common signs, however, include:

• Headache – New onset of headache which can be localized to the site of the tumor or generalized and related to increased intracranial pressure
• Vision difficulties – Blurriness, double vision, or loss of peripheral vision
• Seizures
• Hearing loss, dizziness, or balance difficulties
• Arm and/or leg weakness
• Loss of sensation
• Speech difficulties
• Behavioral changes
• Memory loss
• Loss of smell
• Swallowing difficulties
• Dysphonia (voice changes)
• Facial numbness or pain
• Facial paralysis or weakness (droop face)

Meningiomas are diagnosed with a brain magnetic resonance or MRI and head computerized tomography or CT scan. The Brain MRI allows precise localization of the tumor and visualization of the anatomy of the tumor and its relation to brain structures. The CT of the head is less precise but it gives better details of the bone changes and bone relations to the tumor. Occasionally an angiogram is necessary for a finer understanding of the vascular relations of the tumor.

Treatment of Meningiomas is individualized for each patient based on age, size, symptoms, and location of the tumor. It may include surgical resection, radiation therapy, and observation with surveillance MRI or a combination of the above. Maximal removal of the tumor enhances the chances of the tumor not recurring.

Meningiomas can be located anywhere in the intracranial compartment. They can be superficial when originating at the convexity or deeper and hidden under the brain when located at the skull base. They are often classified or named according to their location or site of origin.

Learn More about your Tumor

If you or a family member have been diagnosed with a Meningioma tumor, we encourage you to learn more about your tumor on our Meningioma site. Your MRI radiology report generally will describe the location and type of the tumor. You can search and find a Meningioma of the same name on our site. You will learn more about the nature of your type of Meningioma, our experience with Meningiomas similar to yours, and how tumors of the same type and location are commonly managed in the Meningioma Center. For your convenience, feel free to send us your MRI report and we will let you know the precise type and location of your tumor prior to a consultation.