About this topic
A thin layer of tissue covers your brain and spinal cord. It is called the meninges. Tumors that grow in this tissue are known as meningiomas. These tumors are most often found in the head. They may also happen around the spinal cord. Most of the time, these tumors are not cancer. These tumors can cause problems by pressing on the brain or spinal cord as they grow larger. ‚
There are three types of meningiomas: ‚
- Grade I ¢ ˆ ’ not caused by cancer
- Most common type
- Grow very slowly
- May not need treatment; often do not return if treated
- Grade II
- Grow faster than Grade I
- Are more likely to come back if removed
- Grade III ¢ ˆ ’ caused by cancer
- Most likely to come back after treated
- Grow very quickly
What are the causes?
The cause of meningiomas is not known. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
- More common in women. Female hormones play a role.
- Age 40-70
- Previous radiation to the head
- Having a rare problem called neurofibromatosis type 2
What are the main signs?
Some people have no signs at all. Others may have: ‚
- New onset of seizures
- Sudden change with eyesight like loss of sight, blind spots, blurred or double vision
- Problems with hearing or talking
- Personality changes
- Memory loss and trouble focusing
- Headache
- Upset stomach and throwing up
- Balance or coordination problems
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. Your doctor will test your reflexes and the strength and motion in your arms and legs. The doctor will also check for eyesight, hearing, speech, balance, and coordination problems. ‚
The doctor may order: ‚
- CT or MRI scan
- Angiogram to look at the blood vessels in the brain
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Treatment depends on where the tumor is located. It is also based on how big the tumor is and how fast it is growing. Your age and overall health may also help decide the best treatment. Your doctor may: ‚
- Watch the tumor over a period of time. This is called observation.
- Shrink the tumor by putting a small tube into the blood vessels that go to the meningioma. This blocks blood flow to the tumor. This is called embolization.
- Do surgery to remove the meningioma or as much of it as possible without damaging important parts of the brain
- Use radiation on the tumor. This may be in small divided doses or one treatment called stereotactic surgery.
- Want you to have chemo if the tumor is caused by cancer
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent infection
- Prevent or treat seizures
- Kill the tumor if cancer is the cause
What problems could happen?
- Personality changes
- Seizures
- Headaches
- Memory loss and problems focusing
- Problems with hearing or talking
- Poor coordination or balance
- Weakness
- Tissue damage after surgery
- Bleeding complications after surgery
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
There is no way to prevent this problem. ‚
Where can I learn more?
American Brain Tumor Association ‚
http://www.abta.org/understanding-brain-tumors/types-of-tumors/meningioma.html ‚
Brain Tumor UK ‚
http://www.braintumouruk.org.uk/meningioma ‚
National Brain Tumor Society ‚
http://www.braintumor.org/patients-family-friends/about-brain-tumors/tumor-types/Meningioma.html ‚
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/301/viewAbstract ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚