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 superficial, 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-sized tumors. Around 80% of meningiomas are 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.
Symptoms
Common signs can include:
1. Headache – New onset of headache, which can be localized to the site of the tumor or generalized and related to increased intracranial pressure.
2. Vision difficulties – Blurriness, double vision, or loss of peripheral vision
3. Seizures
4. Hearing loss, dizziness, or balance difficulties
5. Arm and/or leg weakness
6. Loss of sensation
7. Speech difficulties
8. Behavioral changes
9. Memory loss
10. Loss of smell
11. Swallowing difficulties
12. Dysphonia (voice changes)
13. Facial numbness or pain
14. Facial paralysis or weakness (droop face)
Diagnosis
Meningiomas are diagnosed with brain magnetic resonance (MRI) and head computerized tomography (CT). Brain MRI allows precise localization of the tumor and definition of the tumor’s anatomy and its relation to brain structures. Head CT is less precise, but it provides more detailed information about the bone changes and bone relations to the tumor. Occasionally, a cerebral angiogram is necessary for further understanding of the vascular relations of the tumor.
Management of meningiomas is individualized for each patient. It is based on age, size, symptoms, and location of the tumor. It may include surgical resection, radiation therapy, observation with surveillance MRI, or a combination of the above options. Maximal removal of the tumor enhances the chances of tumor cure without future tumor recurrence.
Meningioma Types – Classification
Anterior clinoid Meningioma
Anterior Fossa Meningioma
Convexity Meningiomas
Diaphragma Sellae Meningioma
Falcine meningioma
Foramen Magnum Meningioma
Jugular Foramen Meningioma
Lateral Ventricle Meningioma
Olfactory Groove Meningioma
Parasagital Meningioma
Petro-Clival Meningioma
Petrous Meningioma
Pineal Region Meningioma
Planam Sphenoidalis Meningioma
Posterior Fossa Meningioma
Skull Base Meningiomas
Sphenoidal Wing Meningioma
Spheno-Orbital Meningioma
Tentorial Meningioma
Tuberculum Sellae Meningioma
Learn About Your Tumor
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with a meningioma tumor, we encourage you to learn more about your tumor on our Meningioma Center site.
Your MRI radiology report will generally describe the type and location of your tumor.
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 of yours is commonly managed at The Meningioma Surgery 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 any commitment to a consultation.