OLFACTORY GROOVE MENINGIOMA

Olfactory Groove Meningioma

Olfactory groove Meningiomas are one type of Meningioma that originates in the front part of the skull base or the anterior fossa skull base. The tumor arises from the meninges over the area where the small olfactory fibers pass from the nose to the brain and are in close relation to the olfactory nerves. The tumor is tucked under the anterior aspect of the frontal lobes. Olfactory groove Meningioma can grow to a formidable size causing significant pressure and swelling or edema to both frontal lobes of the brain before it is discovered.

Symptoms

Olfactory groove Meningiomas present with insidious and progressive cognitive and behavioral changes. Patients tend to develop emotional flatness or aggressive and incoherent behavior. The patient often becomes careless about personal affairs and personal care. Another common complaint is loss of smell and taste-related to olfactory nerve compression. With tumor progression, patients can develop seizures and blurred vision.

Treatment

In view of the size of olfactory groove Meningioma, often associated with cognitive dysfunction, the treatment of these tumors generally requires surgical intervention. Other forms of treatment such as radiation or observation are either not possible or advisable as primary treatment.

Surgical Treatment at the Meningioma Center

At the Meningioma Center, we conceptualized the trans-frontal sinus approach for resection of olfactory groove Meningiomas. This approach allows access to this tumor through a small bone window avoiding the large bifrontal craniotomy with its inherent complications. The focused approach allows for complete resection of these tumors with minimal brain retraction or manipulation which permits maximal preservation and restoration of the patient’s invaluable brain function.

Prognosis

Full recovery of cognitive and behavioral dysfunction is possible using the trans-frontal sinus approach conceptualized at the Center for Meningioma Surgery. Moreover, patients have the potential for returning to their lifestyle and job occupation. Maximal removal of the tumor and its meningeal root minimizes the chances of any tumor recurrence.