A meningioma is a tumor that starts in the meninges, the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It is the most common type of tumor that forms in the head and the most treatable type of brain tumor. However, they can become quite large and crowd the brain and other structures like the skull, leading to health complications. Hence, seeking treatment is essential as soon as the condition is identified.

What causes a meningioma?
While the cause of the growth is inconclusive, experts believe something alters the cells in the meninges, which makes them multiply uncontrollably, resulting in a tumor. The factors that increase the condition’s risk include radiation treatment, female hormone imbalance, and inherited nervous system disorders.

What are the signs and symptoms?
Identifying the signs of a meningioma could help one seek treatment at the earliest. The symptoms usually occur slowly. Based on where in the brain (or rarely, the spine) the tumor is located, the signs and symptoms could include memory loss, seizures, weakness in the arms or legs, and language difficulties. One may also experience double vision, blurriness, headaches, loss of smell, and hearing loss or ringing in the ears.

An expert may conduct a detailed neurological exam followed by an imaging test with contrast dyes to diagnose a meningioma. The imaging tests could include computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Some cases may also require a biopsy, where a sample of the tumor is taken to rule out other types of tumors and confirm the existence of a meningioma.

How is the condition treated?
The treatment for meningiomas depends on several factors, such as the growth rate or aggressiveness of the tumor, its size and location, and the patient’s overall health. Based on these factors, a healthcare expert may determine the objectives and goals of the treatment.

If the meningioma is slow-growing and is not causing signs or symptoms, the healthcare expert may recommend a wait-and-see approach. Meanwhile, the individual may have to undergo brain scans occasionally to monitor the tumor and look for signs of further growth. If the expert believes the tumor is growing and needs to be treated, they may recommend multiple options:

Surgery
When a meningioma causes symptoms or exhibits signs that it is growing, the expert may recommend surgery. A surgeon will work toward removing the entire tumor unless it develops near several delicate structures in the brain or spinal cord. In such a situation, the doctor may remove as much growth as possible to avoid damage and complications.

The type of treatment one may require after surgery will depend on several factors:

• If there are no visible tumors, no further treatment might be necessary. But the patient may have to seek frequent appointments for follow-up scans.
• The expert may suggest occasional follow-up scans if the tumor is benign and only a tiny piece remains. In other cases, leftover tumors might be treatable with a form of radiation treatment known as stereotactic radiosurgery.

Radiation therapy
If the meningioma cannot be removed completely and is atypical or malignant, the expert may recommend radiation therapy following or instead of surgery. Its purpose is to eliminate any remaining tumor cells and reduce the possibility of recurrence. Radiation therapy options for such brain tumors include stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT), intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), and proton beam radiation.

A healthcare provider may suggest other therapies and treatments for meningiomas if the tumors do not respond to surgery and radiation.

Alternative remedies
While alternative treatments are not usually effective in eliminating meningiomas, they may relieve the side effects of a particular treatment. These remedies may also help one cope with the stress of dealing with the disease. A few alternative remedies include hypnosis, massages, meditation, music therapy, and acupuncture. Patients may consult a doctor to learn whether these remedies can benefit them.