A meningioma tumor can be a severe condition, as it typically occurs on the brain, which means it causes a number of other serious conditions. In most cases, these tumors can grow slowly or quickly, depending on the classification of being benign or cancerous. Fortunately, around 90% of these tumors are benign. However, just because they are benign doesn’t mean they can’t cause complications, especially if they continue to grow at a steady pace.
Diagnosing a meningioma brain tumor can be difficult. If an individual has a meningioma tumor, he or she may have no symptoms and require no immediate treatment. Different factors in the diagnosis, including position and size, will set the course for treatment.
If you have been diagnosed with a meningioma or have symptoms that seem to be unexplained, the knowledgeable team at IGEA Brain and Spine is here to help. We feel it essential to always educate individuals on brain-related conditions so they can make the best decisions in relation to care and treatment.
Our brain specialists have put together some answers to commonly asked questions about meningioma brain tumors, so you can have access to valuable information.
Answers to Commonly Asked Questions
As with any medical diagnosis, there are lots of questions. Our brain physicians have the answers. Learn more about meningioma brain tumors by checking out the answers to commonly asked questions.
What Are Meningioma Brain Tumors?
This type of tumor forms on the membranes of the brain and spinal cord, inside the skull. The membranes it grows on are called meninges, hence its name. Meningioma occurrences are the most common central nervous system tumors. They affect more women than men. While most tumors are classified as benign or malignant, some meningiomas are atypical, which indicates they could turn into cancer. Only a small percentage are cancerous. Those that are, however, do grow fast. They can then spread to other areas of the body, like the lungs.
The causes of these tumors are not completely known, however, there are risk factors, including exposure to radiation and Neurofibromatosis type 2, a genetic disorder. Additional research has seen a possible correlation between previous injury and meningiomas. Other research suggests a link between the hormone progesterone and the development of these tumors.
What Are Some of The Common Symptoms?
As noted earlier, most of these tumors are benign and grow slowly, so many times there are no symptoms. The symptoms may also be confused with other medical issues. If an individual does have symptoms, they are most commonly:
- Blurred vision
- Weakness in the arms or legs
- Speech difficulties
How Is a Meningioma Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of a meningioma rarely occurs before symptoms are noticeable. If you have symptoms, the first thing a doctor may order is a brain scan, either an MRI or a CT scan. With these scans, a doctor will be able to identify a tumor and its size. The doctor may also perform a biopsy, where the surgeon removes part or all of the tumor to determine if it is benign or cancerous.
What Are the Treatment Options for Meningioma Tumors?
First, if the tumor has not resulted in any significant symptoms, your care team may recommend close observation with regular brain scans to monitor the tumor’s growth. Should the tumor begin to cause problems or continue to grow, surgery may be required.
The type of surgery to remove the tumor would be a craniotomy. This involves removing a piece of bone from the skull, which allows the surgeon access to the area of the brain where the tumor is located. Then the tumor is removed, and the bone put back in its place. The position of the tumor has much to do with how the surgeon can access the brain.
Sometimes because of its location, surgery isn’t possible, so radiation therapy is used instead to help shrink the tumor and prevent it from growing larger. If it’s malignant, then radiation will also kill the cancer cells.
Meningioma Brain Tumor Experts: Trust the Brain Specialists at IGEA
The team of highly skilled brain doctors at IGEA is here to answer questions you have should you believe that you have symptoms of a meningioma brain tumors. You will always be in good hands with our team of board-certified New Jersey neurosurgeons, no matter your diagnosis. We have multiple locations throughout New Jersey and New York, making it convenient for anyone in the region to find the help they need.
Get the best care from a team of experienced brain specialists at IGEA Brain and Spine. Schedule an appointment today at one of our seven locations to find the care you deserve.