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A meningioma is a type of tumor that grows in the membranous tissues, known as the meninges, around the brain and spinal cord.
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Meningiomas are slow-growing and can go undetected for a long period due to a lack of clear symptoms.
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They can lead to significant disability as a result of pressure on brain tissue, nerves, blood vessels, etc.
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While we aren't yet certain what exactly causes meningioma tumors, suspected risk factors include:
– Genetic neurological conditions like neurofibromatosis (type 2) – Radiation exposure, such as from radiation therapy – Previous injuries like skull fractures and membrane scarring – Certain female hormones, like progesterone
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The symptoms a person experiences vary due to the size, type, and aggressiveness of their brain tumor, as well as their physiology and overall health.
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Possible symptoms of meningioma tumors: – – – – – –
Headaches Memory loss Numbness, weakness Vision problems Difficulty speaking Seizures
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Individuals between 30 and 70 years of age are the most likely to develop meningiomas.
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Middle-aged women are twice as likely to develop meningiomas than men, possibly due to progesterone levels.
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Individuals with a high Body Mass Index (BMI) appear to be at a greater risk of developing meningiomas than those with normal BMIs.
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Patients with concerning symptoms are typically sent for diagnostic testing.
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Testing is done by a neurologist using brain scans (MRI, CT scan).
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If a meningioma is found in the scan(s), a biopsy may be performed to determine whether or not the tumor is malignant (cancerous).
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“Benign” means that the tumor is not cancerous, but it does not mean that the tumor is completely harmless.
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Benign tumors can still grow and create compression around the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves that causes significant neurological symptoms.
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Some benign meningiomas can be left alone, but others may still require surgery to relieve symptoms and/or prevent further damage.
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Before pursuing significant treatment, doctors will first decide whether intervention is necessary or more time can be spent observing the tumor.
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If intervention is deemed necessary, surgical removal is often required to reduce pressure and protect nervous system components.
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The most common type of surgery is a craniotomy, in which part of the skull is removed to allow access to the tumor. Surgeons then remove as much of the meningioma as possible without damaging healthy tissues.
Crystal Run Healthcare is a premier multispecialty group practice with over 400 providers in more than 50 medical specialties and over 22 practice locations in the Hudson Valley and lower Catskill region. Visit us online to learn more about our neurologists at Crystal Run Healthcare and easily book an appointment with many of our physicians’ or contact us if you need additional assistance.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/meningioma/symptomscauses/syc-20355643 https://www.webmd.com/cancer/brain-cancer/meningioma-causessymptoms-treatment#1 https://www.verywellhealth.com/meningioma-2488743