What is meningioma?
Meningioma is a term used to denote a tumour in the meninges, the coverings of the brain and the spinal cord. Meningiomas are generally non-cancerous and spread very slowly.
What are its main signs and symptoms?
Meningiomas are classified on the basis of their location and grade as per the World Health Organization (WHO) classification. In certain cases, the symptoms may not even show until the tumour has grown very large and is untreatable. The most common signs and symptoms of meningioma are listed below:
- Persistent headaches
- Sudden seizures
- Hearing loss or ringing in the ears
- Feeling of nausea
- Weakness of limbs
- Loss of memory
What are its main causes?
The cause for brain tumours is not known to date, but it is thought that the most likely cause is the alteration of chromosome 22. Patients with a history of radiation therapy to the head are also said to be at risk. A link between hormones and meningiomas is being explored globally.
People with neurofibromatosis type 2, a genetic disorder, are also likely to develop meningioma.
How is it diagnosed and treated?
The symptoms of meningioma often occur in the later stages, and the tumour is usually an incidental finding while performing a CT scan or MRI for another condition.
A physician takes a detailed medical history and family history, performs a physical examination including a neurological exam and asks for scans to be performed to confirm the diagnosis of meningioma. CT scans or MRI is done to determine the size and exact location of the meningioma. For further stages, an angiogram of blood vessels can also be performed for confirming the diagnosis.
There are certain medications and treatments used to curb the growth of meningioma and control the symptoms of the disease. The treatment options are explained below:
- Observation – As the growth of meningioma is very slow in most cases, patients with no or few symptoms are not usually treated, but are carefully monitored for the growth of the tumour and any change in symptoms.
- Surgery – Surgery is the go-to option for brain tumours, where the affected area or the tumour is removed surgically to prevent further development.
- Radiation – Radiotherapy is applied to areas where surgery is not possible. Without affecting the condition adversely, radiation is applied to the focused area to kill the tumour and stop its growth.
- Chemotherapy – Meningioma is not so responsive to chemotherapy; however, it is the last resort for meningioma or any tumour if radiation and surgery are deemed ineffective.