Meningiomas are tumors that grow in the meninges, the thin protective coverings around the brain and spinal cord. Meningiomas usually grow slowly. They are most often benign tumors; that is, they are not cancerous and will not spread. However, as they increase in size they may require treatment based on their interference with surrounding tissue. Meningiomas are sometimes classified based on where they arise: Parasagittal meningiomas, olfactory groove meningiomas and sphenoid wing meningiomas, for example, are all named for their locations.
Symptoms can depend on a tumor’s location and size. Some meningiomas never cause any symptoms at all. Treatment, when required, is customized according to factors like the tumor’s location, size, blood supply, connection to vital tissue, and the patient’s overall health status. Treatment options include preoperative embolization, surgical removal and/or radiation therapy to shrink the tumor.
To hear Dr. Michael Sisti discuss meningiomas, please see the video below.
