Meningiomas: A Guide to the Most Common Brain Tumor

Meningioma: Understanding a Common Brain Tumor

Meningiomas are a type of primary central nervous system (CNS) tumor that arises from the meninges, the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Unlike gliomas, which originate from glial cells within the brain tissue, meningiomas grow on the surface of the brain or spinal cord. Although they are often benign (non-cancerous) and slow-growing, their size and location can still cause significant health problems by compressing nearby brain tissue or nerves.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The symptoms of a meningioma often depend on its size and location. Since these tumors grow slowly, a patient may not experience any symptoms for years. When they do appear, symptoms can be subtle at first and gradually worsen over time. Common symptoms include:

• Headaches, which may be persistent or worsen over time.
• Seizures, particularly if the tumor is pressing on the brain’s outer surface.
• Vision or hearing changes, such as blurred vision, double vision, or a ringing in the ears.
• Weakness or numbness in the limbs.
• Memory problems or personality changes.

Because these symptoms are common to many conditions, diagnosing a meningioma typically requires imaging. An MRI with a contrast agent is the gold standard, as it provides detailed images that can reveal the tumor’s characteristic shape and location. Sometimes, a CT scan is also used.

Treatment and Prognosis

The treatment for a meningioma is highly individualized and depends on the tumor’s size, location, and the patient’s symptoms and overall health. In many cases, if the tumor is small and not causing symptoms, a “watch-and-wait” approach is recommended with regular MRI monitoring.

When treatment is necessary, the primary options include:

• Surgery: The most common treatment is surgical removal. Since most meningiomas are benign and have a clear border, they can often be completely removed, which may be curative.
• Radiation Therapy: For tumors that cannot be fully removed surgically or for those that recur, radiation therapy can be used to stop the tumor cells from growing. Stereotactic radiosurgery is a precise form of radiation that targets the tumor with high doses.
• Observation: As mentioned, many small, asymptomatic meningiomas are simply monitored with regular imaging scans to ensure they aren’t growing or causing problems.