Meningioma

A meningioma is a tumor that grows in the tissue surrounding your brain. If you develop symptoms that could signify a brain tumor, talk to the board-certified neurosurgeons at Coast Neurosurgical Associates in Long Beach, California. They have unrivaled diagnostic skills and perform advanced meningioma surgery. To avoid the complications of an untreated meningioma, call Coast Neurosurgical Associates today or schedule a consultation online.

What is a meningioma?

A meningioma is a tumor that originates in the brain or spinal cord from the lining of the central nervous system. Meningiomas are the most common primary brain tumor (growths that start in your central nervous system rather than spreading from elsewhere in your body). 

Meningiomas have three grades:

Grade I

Grade I meningiomas are the most common. These low-grade tumors are slow growing but can still disrupt the surrounding brain tissue causing pressure and symptoms.

Grade II

Grade II atypical meningiomas are more likely to come back after removal. They often require radiation therapy after surgery.

Grade III

Grade III anaplastic meningiomas are fast-growing cancers.

Meningiomas develop when genes in the central nervous system cells mutate and become cancerous. Why this happens isn’t clear, but it’s more likely to affect people with the genetic disorder neurofibromatosis type 2 or those who suffer radiation exposure. Though most people with meningiomas have no identifiable cause.

The mutated cells don’t die like healthy cells do at the end of their lifespan. Instead, they continue to multiply, creating tissue masses.

What symptoms do meningiomas cause?

Meningioma symptoms can vary depending on the tumor’s location. Possible symptoms include:

• Vision changes like blurriness or seeing double
• Confusion
• Loss of smell
• Seizures
• Hearing loss or ringing in the ears
• Weakness in your arms or legs
• Memory loss
• Language difficulties
• Headaches

Meningioma headaches are usually worse in the morning.

To diagnose meningiomas, the Coast Neurosurgical Associates team performs a comprehensive neurological exam. They also look at diagnostic images that use a contrast dye to highlight any abnormalities.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most common form of diagnostic imaging for brain tumors. MRI scans create highly detailed pictures of your brain and the meningiomas.

What treatments are available for meningiomas?

The Coast Neurosurgical Associates team will likely recommend brain surgery for a large, growing, symptomatic, or malignant meningioma where possible. Surgery involves removing the meningioma, and the tissue it arises from, without damaging the delicate underlying brain tissue. Samples of the growth go for lab testing to determine which kind of meningioma you have.

Many low-grade meningiomas can be cured with surgery alone. For higher grade tumors, most  patients also undergo radiation therapy to help stop grade II and III meningiomas from returning. Options include:

• Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS)
• Fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT)
• Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
• Proton beam radiation

These treatments use precisely targeted delivery methods that help reduce damage to surrounding tissues.

If you develop any meningioma symptoms, seek expert help immediately. Call Coast Neurosurgical Associates or book an appointment online today.