Meningioma

A meningioma is a tumor that develops in the protective layers around the brain and spinal cord. These tumors usually grow slowly and often go unnoticed until they press on nearby brain areas and cause symptoms. They are the most prevalent brain tumors, and while some may be malignant, the majority are not.

Types of meningioma

• Convexity meningiomas

Grow on the outer surface of the brain.

• Intraventricular meningiomas

Form inside the brain’s fluid-filled ventricles.

• Olfactory groove meningiomas

Develop near the smell nerve at the skull base.

• Sphenoid wing meningiomas

Grow along the bone ridge located behind the eyes.

How is meningioma treated?

• Radiosurgery (Gamma Knife)

Focused radiation for small, benign tumors.

• Radiation Therapy

Uses high-energy beams to destroy or slow tumor growth.

• Palliative Care

Improves comfort by managing symptoms during treatment.

• Observation

Small, slow-growing tumors may be monitored regularly with scans.

• Molecular Analysis

Detailed tissue study to identify targeted drugs and predict recurrence.

• Surgery

Tumor removal; complete removal can be curative when safely possible.

• Chemotherapy (rare)

Used for recurrent or aggressive tumors not responding to other treatments.