Meningioma (patient information)

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Editor-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S.,M.D. [mailto:mgibson@perfuse.org] Phone:617-632-7753; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Jinhui Wu, M.D.

Overview
Meningiomas are the most common benign tumors of the brain (95% of benign tumors), rare meningioma can be malignant. It arises from the meninges which surround the brain and spinal cord. A small meningioma causes no significant signs. With the development of the lump, frequent symptoms include changes in vision, for example seeing double or blurriness, headache, hearing loss memory loss, etc. A meningioma doesn't always require immediate treatment. Treatments include surgery, radiation and a combination of them.

What are the symptoms of Meningioma?
Early meningioma does not have any symptoms. As the lump grows larger, people may notice one or more of the following symptoms:


 * Changes in vision, such as seeing double or blurriness


 * Headache


 * Hearing loss


 * Memory loss


 * Seizures


 * Weakness in the arms or legs

Other health problems may also cause these symptoms. Only a doctor can tell for sure. A person with any of these symptoms should tell the doctor so that the problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.

Who is at highest risk?
Clinical data has suggested that the development of meningioma is related to several factors.


 * Radiation treatment: Clinical data suggests that head radiation therapy increase the risk of developing meningioma.


 * An inherited nervous system disorder: Studies show the rare disorder neurofibromatosis type 2 increases the risk of meningioma and other brain tumors.


 * Female hormones: As a tumor common in women than men, doctors believe that female hormones may play an important role in developing meningioma.

Diagnosis

 * Computed tomography (CT) scan: CT scans are often used to diagnose meningioma. It can confirm the location of the tumor and show other brain tissues. These are helpful for determining the stage of the cancer and in determining whether surgery is a good treatment option.


 * Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI uses magnetic fields but it is a different type of image than what is produced by computed tomography (CT) and produces detailed images of the body. Like computed tomography (CT), a contrast agent may be injected into a patient’s vein to create a better picture. It is a very valuable test for meningioma.

When to seek urgent medical care?
A meningioma doesn't always require immediate treatment. And a small, slow-growing meningioma without any signs or symptoms may not require treatment. But call your health care provider if symptoms of meningioma developes.

Treatment options
Patients with meningioma have many treatment options. The options are surgery, radiation therapy, and a combination of them. Before treatment starts, ask your health care team about possible side effects and how treatment may change your normal activities. Because cancer treatments often damage healthy cells and tissues, side effects are common. Side effects may not be the same for each person, and they may change from one treatment session to the next.
 * Surgery: If the patient appears signs and symptoms of meningioma, surgery is recommended.


 * Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy is recommended if your meningioma can't be completely removed. The aim is to destroy any remaining meningioma cells and reduce the opportunity to recur. And a specific type of radiation treatment is called radiosurgery, which aims several beams of powerful radiation at a very precise point. Radiosurgery can be selected for people whose meningiomas can not be removed with conventional surgery or whose meningiomas recur.

Diseases with similar symptoms

 * Other brain tumors


 * Seizures by other diseases


 * Eyes diseases

Where to find medical care for Meningioma?
Directions to Hospitals Treating meningioma

Prevention of Meningioma
The reasons of developing meningioma are not clear. Epidemiological survey demonstrates the folling measure may be helpful:


 * Avoidance over-dosage radiation therapy on head.


 * Early screening of disorder neurofibromatosis type 2.

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
As a benign tumor, the prognosis of meningioma depends on the following:


 * The location the tumor


 * Whether or not the tumor can be removed by surgery


 * Whether the tumor has recurred


 * The magnitude of calcification of the tumor and its adherence to surrounding structures