Meningioma is a usually benign brain tumor that can cause symptoms such as seizures, headaches, and vision changes. Treatment depends on the size and location of the tumor, with surgery being the main form of treatment. Radiation therapy may be used in addition to or instead of surgery.
A brain tumor meningioma is an abnormal growth that arises from the thin sheets of tissue, known as the meninges, that enclose the spinal cord and brain. Usually, a meningioma is a benign tumor, which means it’s not cancerous and doesn’t spread to other parts of the body. Occasionally, a meningioma can be cancerous or malignant, but this is very rare. In the early stages, a meningioma brain tumor may not cause any symptoms and you may not need any treatment. If the brain tumor grows larger, it can interfere with surrounding brain tissue, nerves, or blood vessels, and surgical removal may be required.
Mengingiomas can develop anywhere in the brain or spinal canal. They occur more often in women and the chance of having a meningioma increases with age. Possible symptoms of a meningioma brain tumor can include seizures, headaches, vision changes, and hearing difficulties. Weakness in a limb may be experienced in some cases and there may be memory loss. The exact symptoms vary depending on the precise location of the tumor and which area of the brain is affected.
Treatment of a meningioma brain tumor depends on the size of the growth, whether it’s causing symptoms, and how fast it’s getting bigger. Sometimes meningioma causes increased pressure within the skull, or cranium, and this generally needs to be treated before any other procedures are performed. When the increased pressure is due to the tumor blocking the flow of cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain, a tube called a shunt may be used to allow the accumulated fluid to drain. If swelling has developed around the meningioma and caused pressure to build up, steroid medications can be used to reduce it.
Surgery is the main form of treatment for a meningioma brain tumor. When possible, the operation involves the complete removal of the tumor. Occasionally the location of a meningioma can make it impossible to avoid leaving part of the tumor behind, or surgery can be too risky to attempt.
Another treatment, known as radiation therapy, is sometimes done to destroy any remaining cancer cells after surgery, or it can be used in place of a surgical procedure. Radiation therapy involves the use of high-intensity beams of radiation aimed at the tumor. The outlook for a meningioma brain tumor varies, but it is usually excellent for tumors that can be completely removed by surgery.
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