SPHENOID WING MENINGIOMA

Sphenoid Wing Meningioma

Sphenoid Wing Meningioma is a tumor that arises on the meninges covering the bone on the side of the skull base. From the sphenoid wing, the tumor grows towards the temporal lobe causing significant temporal lobe brain compression and swelling or edema of the brain. The tumor tends to encase the middle cerebral artery which is a major branch of the carotid artery bringing blood supply to the brain. The tumor has the potential to grow to a formidable size causing significant temporal lobe dysfunction before coming to medical attention.

Symptoms

Sphenoid wing Meningioma presents with a headache or disabling temporal lobe dysfunction. Temporal lobe dysfunction may include partial seizures, memory changes, and personality changes. Speech difficulties can occur when the tumor is located on the dominant brain side.

Treatment

Treatment of sphenoid wing Meningioma requires surgery when the tumor is large or the patient is symptomatic with temporal lobe dysfunction or seizures. Elderly patients with small tumors and minimal symptoms can be treated conservatively with surveillance MRIs. Radiation is generally not recommended in these tumors as a primary treatment to avoid unnecessary radiation to the temporal lobe brain.

Surgical Treatment at the Meningioma Center

At the Meningioma Center, we conceptualized the focal orbital approach for the removal of sphenoid wing Meningiomas. This approach associated with the extradural navigation concept allows access to the tumor without hazardous exposure to the brain and only minimal direct manipulation or retraction of it. In selected cases, the focal orbital approach can be done through a small eyebrow incision. The approach allows for early control of the blood supply to the tumor and full and early identification for safe control of the carotid artery and its main branches. The approach offers maximal potential for complete resection of the tumor including its meningeal roots

Prognosis

Full or partial recovery of serious temporal lobe dysfunction is possible with adequate surgical Treatment of sphenoid wing Meningioma using the focal orbital approach conceptualized at the Center for Meningioma Surgery. Moreover, the patients have the potential for returning to their lifestyle and job occupation. Maximal removal of the tumor and its meningeal root maximizes the chances of cure without tumor recurrence.