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Understanding Meningioma: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Jerome Albert Ecker | MD

Medically reviewed by Jerome Albert Ecker | MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Duke University - Durham, NC on November 29th, 2023.

Key Takeaways

  • These tumors arise from the meninges (protective brain coverings) and occur twice as often in middle-aged women, with 30,000 new cases diagnosed annually in the US.

  • Symptoms develop gradually over months to years and include persistent morning headaches, new-onset seizures after age 20, progressive vision loss, and one-sided weakness or numbness.

  • Previous radiation exposure to the head increases risk 10-fold, while neurofibromatosis type 2 patients have a 50% chance of developing multiple tumors by age 60.

  • Small, asymptomatic tumors under 3cm are often monitored with MRI scans every 6-12 months since growth rates average only 1-2mm per year.

  • Surgical removal achieves cure rates of 95% for completely resected benign tumors, though those near critical brain areas may require stereotactic radiosurgery delivering precise 12-25 Gy doses.

Meningioma is a type of tumor that develops on the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, known as meninges. While most meningiomas are benign (non-cancerous), they can still cause serious problems if they grow and put pressure on the brain or spinal cord. In this article, we'll explore the symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment options for meningioma.

What is Meningioma?

Meningiomas are the most common type of tumor originating in the central nervous system. They form on the three layers of membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord, called meninges. About 90% of meningiomas are benign, meaning they are not cancerous. However, even benign meningiomas can cause problems if they grow and press on the brain or spinal cord.

Understanding Meningioma: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Symptoms of Meningioma

Meningiomas often grow slowly, so symptoms may develop gradually or not at all. Some common symptoms include:

  • Headaches

  • Seizures

  • Blurred vision

  • Weakness in arms or legs

  • Numbness

  • Speech problems

Risk Factors for Meningioma

The exact causes of meningioma are not well understood, but there are two known risk factors:

  1. Exposure to radiation

  2. Neurofibromatosis type 2, a genetic disorder

Some research also suggests a link between meningiomas and the hormone progesterone, as middle-aged women are more than twice as likely as men to develop a meningioma.

Diagnosing Meningioma

If symptoms suggest the possibility of a meningioma, a doctor may order a brain scan, such as an MRI or CT scan, to locate the tumor and determine its size. In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to determine if the tumor is benign or malignant.

Treatment Options for Meningioma

Treatment for meningioma depends on several factors, including the size and location of the tumor, as well as whether it is causing symptoms. Treatment options may include:

  • Observation: If the tumor is not causing symptoms, regular brain scans may be recommended to monitor its growth.

  • Surgery: If the tumor is accessible, a craniotomy may be performed to remove the tumor or as much of it as possible.

  • Radiation therapy: If surgery is not an option, radiation therapy may be used to shrink the tumor, prevent further growth, or kill cancer cells in malignant tumors.

If you or a loved one is diagnosed with a meningioma, work closely with your healthcare team to determine the best course of treatment based on your individual situation.

The Bottom Line

Most meningiomas grow slowly and can be safely monitored, but location matters more than size when determining treatment urgency. Early recognition of gradual neurological changes leads to better outcomes and more treatment options. If you're experiencing persistent headaches or subtle neurological symptoms, Doctronic can help evaluate your concerns promptly.

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