Meningioma Treatment & Symptom

Meningiomas are brain tumors that develop in the tissue that surrounds and protects the outer surface of the brain and spinal cord (the meninges). The majority of meningioma cases are noncancerous (benign), though rarely a meningioma can be cancerous (malignant). There are three layers of meninges, called the dura mater, arachnoid and pia mater. Most meningiomas (90%) are categorized as benign tumors, with the remaining 10% being atypical or malignant. However, the word "benign" can be misleading in this case, as when benign tumors grow and constrict and affect the brain, they can cause disability and even be life threatening. Meningiomas account for about 15 to 25 percent of all tumors that originate in the brain. They are seen most frequently after age 40, and are more common in women than men . Even if a meningioma is benign, it isn't harmless. A meningioma can press on the brain and spinal cord, causing complications such as vision loss or paralysis. The signs and symptoms you experience depend on the size and location of the meningioma and what parts of the nervous system are affected. Meningioma treatment options include surgery and radiation, though sometimes immediate treatment isn't necessary.

Meningiomas arise from the leather-like layer of tissue covering the brain and spinal cord, called the meninges. Meningiomas usually grow slowly and do not invade surrounding normal tissue. They rarely spread to other parts of the central nervous system or body. Some meningiomas contain cysts or calcified mineral deposits, and others contain hundreds of tiny blood vessels. Because meningiomas tend to grow inward, they commonly cause pressure on the brain or spinal cord. Although less common, meningiomas can grow outward, causing the skull to thicken. Meningiomas grow very slowly, and it is often many years before they become symptomatic.

Causes of Meningioma

Common Causes of Meningioma :

• The exact cause of meningiomas is unknown.
• Radiation exposure, especially to the face, can increase the risk of developing meningiomas
• History of breast cancer or sarcoma, as part of the Li-Fraumeni Syndrome.
• Certain hormones may increase the growth of meningiomas
• Having received radiation to the face as a child (for acne , warts, or fungal infections).
• A diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type 2 .

Symptoms of Meningioma

Some common Symptoms of Meningioma :

• Memory loss.
• Seizures.
• Headaches
• Hearing loss.
• Vomiting.
• Epilepsy.
• Changes in behavior.
• Slurred speech (if tumor is on the left side of the brain).
• Visual problem.

Treatment of Meningioma

• Radiation therapy include Gamma Knife TM or proton beam treatment may be pursued in cases of inoperable or unresectable tumors, or if tumor shows malignant transformation. Focused radiation may also be helpful for small tumors at the base of the skull.
• Conventional chemotherapy is likely not effective. Antiprogestin agents have been used but with variable results. Recent evidence that hydroxyurea has the capacity to shrink unresectable or recurrent meningiomas is being further evaluated.
• Skull base neurosurgery.
• Interventional MRI .
• Partial removal. Sometimes, only part of the tumor will be removed because of its location near sensitive areas of the brain. This partial removal can still relieve symptoms, and further surgery may not be needed because of the availability of other effective treatments. Radiation therapy may be used on the remaining tumor cells.
• Growth monitoring. Because of the slow growth of meningiomas, elderly patients with this tumor may be monitored instead of undergoing surgical removal of the tumor. The physician will monitor the growth of the tumor with frequent MRI scans. Patients should report any symptomatic change immediately.