What is Meningioma? Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment

A meningioma is a type of brain tumor that grows from the protective layers covering your brain and spinal cord, called the meninges. The good news is that most meningiomas are benign, meaning they're not cancerous and tend to grow slowly over time.

These tumors develop from cells in the thin membranes that wrap around your brain like a protective cushion. While the word "brain tumor" can sound frightening, meningiomas are actually the most common type of primary brain tumor in adults, and many people live full, normal lives with proper treatment.

What are the symptoms of meningioma?

Many meningiomas don't cause any symptoms at all, especially when they're small. You might have one for years without knowing it, and it's often discovered during brain scans done for other reasons.

When symptoms do appear, they usually develop gradually as the tumor slowly grows and puts gentle pressure on nearby brain tissue. Here are the signs your body might show:

• Headaches that may worsen over time or feel different from your usual headaches
• Seizures, which can be the first sign for some people
• Vision changes, including blurred vision or seeing double
• Weakness in your arms or legs, usually on one side
• Memory problems or difficulty concentrating
• Personality changes or mood shifts
• Speech difficulties or trouble finding words
• Hearing loss or ringing in the ears
• Loss of smell or taste

Some people might experience more specific symptoms depending on where the meningioma is located. For instance, tumors near the back of your head might affect your vision, while those near your temples could impact your hearing or speech.

Remember, these symptoms can have many other causes too. Having one or more of these signs doesn't mean you have a meningioma, but they're worth discussing with your doctor.

What are the types of meningioma?

Doctors classify meningiomas into three main grades based on how the cells look under a microscope and how quickly they're likely to grow. This grading system helps your medical team plan the best treatment approach for you.

Grade I meningiomas are the most common type, making up about 80% of all cases. These are benign tumors that grow very slowly and rarely spread to other parts of your body. Most people with Grade I meningiomas have excellent outcomes with treatment.

Grade II meningiomas are considered atypical and grow somewhat faster than Grade I tumors. They make up about 15-20% of meningiomas and have a higher chance of coming back after treatment, but they're still very treatable.

Grade III meningiomas are malignant and the least common, occurring in only 1-3% of cases. These tumors grow more quickly and are more likely to spread, but even these can often be successfully treated with the right approach.

What causes meningioma?

The exact cause of most meningiomas remains unclear, but researchers have identified several factors that might play a role. In many cases, these tumors seem to develop without any obvious trigger.

Radiation exposure is one of the clearest risk factors scientists have found. This includes previous radiation therapy to the head or neck area, often used to treat other cancers. However, the risk is still relatively small, and many people who've had radiation never develop meningiomas.

Hormones, particularly estrogen, appear to influence meningioma growth. Women are about twice as likely as men to develop these tumors, and they sometimes grow faster during pregnancy or with hormone replacement therapy. Some meningiomas even have hormone receptors on their surface.

Genetic factors may contribute in rare cases. A small percentage of meningiomas are linked to inherited conditions like neurofibromatosis type 2, but most cases aren't connected to family history.

Age is another factor, with meningiomas being more common in people over 40. However, they can occur at any age, including in children, though this is less common.

When to see a doctor for meningioma?

You should contact your doctor if you experience persistent headaches that are different from your usual pattern or seem to be getting worse over time. New headaches that don't respond to typical treatments deserve medical attention.

Seek medical care promptly if you have any seizures, especially if you've never had them before. Even brief episodes where you lose awareness or have unusual movements should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Changes in your vision, speech, or coordination are also important signs to discuss with your doctor. This includes double vision, difficulty finding words, or weakness on one side of your body.

If you notice personality changes, memory problems, or difficulty concentrating that interfere with your daily life, these symptoms warrant medical evaluation. Sometimes family members notice these changes before you do.

Trust your instincts. If something feels different about your health and persists for more than a few days, it's always reasonable to check with your healthcare provider.

What are the risk factors for meningioma?

Several factors can increase your likelihood of developing a meningioma, though having these risk factors doesn't mean you'll definitely get one. Understanding them can help you have informed discussions with your healthcare team.

Being female is the most significant risk factor, with women developing meningiomas about twice as often as men. This difference is likely related to hormones, particularly estrogen, which can stimulate the growth of certain meningiomas.

Age plays an important role, with most meningiomas diagnosed in people between 40 and 70 years old. The risk increases as you get older, though these tumors can occasionally occur in younger adults and children.

Previous radiation exposure to your head increases the risk, especially if you received radiation therapy for other cancers during childhood. However, the overall risk remains low, and the benefits of necessary radiation treatment typically outweigh this concern.

Certain genetic conditions, particularly neurofibromatosis type 2, significantly increase meningioma risk. However, inherited cases account for only a small percentage of all meningiomas.

Some studies suggest that hormone replacement therapy might slightly increase risk in postmenopausal women, though the evidence isn't definitive. If you're considering hormone therapy, discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor.

What are the possible complications of meningioma?

Most meningiomas cause few complications, especially when they're small and not pressing on important brain structures. However, as these tumors grow, they can sometimes lead to more serious issues.

Seizures are one of the most common complications, occurring in about 25-30% of people with meningiomas. These can range from brief episodes of confusion to more dramatic convulsions, but they're often well-controlled with medication.

Progressive neurological symptoms can develop if the tumor continues to grow and puts pressure on nearby brain tissue. This might include worsening weakness, speech problems, or vision changes that gradually interfere with daily activities.

Increased pressure inside the skull can occur with larger meningiomas, leading to severe headaches, nausea, and vomiting. This is more serious and requires prompt medical attention.

In rare cases, meningiomas can cause life-threatening complications if they're located in critical areas or grow large enough to compress vital brain structures. However, with modern monitoring and treatment, serious complications are uncommon.

Some people may experience emotional or cognitive changes, including difficulty with memory, concentration, or mood regulation. These effects can significantly impact quality of life but often improve with appropriate treatment.

How is meningioma diagnosed?

Diagnosing a meningioma typically starts with your doctor listening to your symptoms and performing a neurological examination. They'll check your reflexes, coordination, and mental function to look for signs of brain involvement.

An MRI scan is usually the most important test for detecting meningiomas. This detailed imaging study can show the size, location, and characteristics of the tumor with remarkable clarity. The scan is painless, though some people find the enclosed space and loud noises uncomfortable.

A CT scan might be used instead of or in addition to an MRI, especially if you can't have an MRI due to metal implants or severe claustrophobia. CT scans are faster but provide less detailed images of soft tissues like the brain.

If imaging suggests a meningioma, your doctor might recommend additional tests to determine the exact type and grade. Sometimes a biopsy is needed, where a small tissue sample is removed for examination under a microscope.

Blood tests aren't typically used to diagnose meningiomas, but your doctor might order them to check your overall health and prepare for potential treatment options.

What is the treatment for meningioma?

Treatment for meningioma depends on several factors, including the tumor's size, location, growth rate, and your overall health. Many small, slow-growing meningiomas don't require immediate treatment.

Observation with regular monitoring is often the first approach for small meningiomas that aren't causing symptoms. Your doctor will schedule periodic MRI scans to watch for any changes in size or appearance. This "wait and watch" strategy allows you to avoid unnecessary treatment while ensuring prompt action if needed.

Surgery is the most common active treatment for meningiomas that are causing symptoms or growing significantly. The goal is usually to remove as much of the tumor as safely possible while preserving normal brain function.

Radiation therapy might be recommended if surgery isn't possible due to the tumor's location, if some tumor remains after surgery, or if the meningioma is higher grade. Modern radiation techniques can precisely target the tumor while minimizing damage to healthy brain tissue.

Stereotactic radiosurgery, despite its name, isn't actually surgery but a highly focused form of radiation treatment. It's particularly useful for smaller meningiomas in difficult-to-reach locations.

Medications are sometimes used to manage symptoms like seizures or brain swelling, though there aren't specific drugs that can shrink meningiomas. Research into targeted therapies is ongoing and showing promise for certain types of meningiomas.

How to manage meningioma at home?

Living with a meningioma often involves managing symptoms and maintaining your quality of life while working with your healthcare team. Many people find that simple lifestyle adjustments can make a significant difference.

If you experience seizures, it's important to follow your medication schedule exactly as prescribed and avoid known triggers like lack of sleep, excessive alcohol, or flashing lights. Keep a seizure diary to help identify patterns and share this information with your doctor.

Managing headaches might involve keeping a headache journal to identify triggers, maintaining regular sleep patterns, and using relaxation techniques. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help, but check with your doctor about which ones are safe for you.

Staying physically active within your limitations can help maintain strength and improve mood. Gentle exercises like walking, swimming, or yoga are often well-tolerated, but discuss your exercise plans with your healthcare team first.

Getting adequate rest is crucial for brain health and can help reduce symptoms like fatigue and concentration problems. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night and try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule.

Consider joining a support group for people with brain tumors or meningiomas. Connecting with others who understand your experience can provide emotional support and practical tips for daily living.

How should you prepare for your doctor appointment?

Preparing for your appointment can help you make the most of your time with the doctor and ensure you get the information you need. Start by writing down all your symptoms, even if they seem unrelated.

Bring a complete list of your medications, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and vitamins. Also, gather any previous medical records, especially brain scans or reports from other doctors you've seen about your symptoms.

Consider bringing a trusted family member or friend to your appointment. They can help you remember important information and provide emotional support during what might be a stressful visit.

Prepare a list of questions you want to ask your doctor. Important topics might include treatment options, potential side effects, prognosis, and how the condition might affect your daily life.

Write down key information about your medical history, including any previous surgeries, radiation treatments, or family history of brain tumors. This background information can be crucial for your doctor's assessment.

What's the key takeaway about meningioma?

The most important thing to remember is that meningiomas are usually slow-growing, benign tumors with excellent treatment outcomes. While receiving any brain tumor diagnosis can be frightening, most people with meningiomas go on to live normal, healthy lives.

Early detection and appropriate treatment are key to the best outcomes. If you're experiencing persistent symptoms like headaches, seizures, or neurological changes, don't hesitate to seek medical evaluation.

Treatment approaches have improved dramatically over the years, with many minimally invasive options available. Your healthcare team will work with you to develop a treatment plan that's tailored to your specific situation and goals.

Remember that having a meningioma doesn't define you. Many people successfully manage their condition while maintaining their careers, relationships, and activities they enjoy. With proper medical care and support, you can continue to live a fulfilling life.