Meningiomas account for about 15% of all primary brain tumors and typically are benign. This type of tumor develops within the leptomeninges (tissue that serves as the lining of the brain). A meningioma usually grows very slowly, often over many years. Because of this, they can become very large before they are discovered.
What are the symptoms of a Meningioma?
Symptoms vary by the location of the tumor, but often include:
- Headache
- Seizures
- Motor weakness
- Mental status changes
- Loss of sensation (spine meningioma)
Are there different types of meningiomas?
Meningiomas are usually described according to their location within the brain:
- Convexity
- Falx and parasagittal
- Olfactory groove
- Sphenoid
- Posterior fossa
- Intraventricular
- Spinal
Who do meningiomas usually affect?
- Occur most commonly between the ages of 40 – 70
- More common in women
Are meningiomas always benign?
- These tumors are 90% benign, but can still cause significant impairment due to their location and size.
- A smaller percentage of meningiomas can be cancerous and aggressive.
How is a meningioma diagnosed?
- Computerized tomography (CT)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
How is a meningioma treated?
- Observation – If the tumor is small and does not cause problems, one course of action is to follow the patient through regular MRI or CT scans.
- Surgery – This is the most common treatment option for a person with a meningioma as it is often very safe. The surgical procedure -- known as a craniotomy -- performed by a neurosurgeon. The NeuroTexas Institute utilizes two advanced, specialized neurosurgical operating suites with the latest in image-guided technology.
- Stereotactic radiosurgery - This procedure uses narrow beams of radiation that are targeted specifically to the meningioma. This highly focused and destructive dose of radiation is given in a single session. The procedure avoids the use of potentially harmful radiation to surrounding brain structures. NeuroTexas Institute currently utilizes the GammaKnife technology.
Learn more about the Brain Tumor Center at NeuroTexas Institute.
Information from the National Institutes of Health, November 2008