Meningioma: Q&A
1. What are the early symptoms of meningioma?
Symptoms of meningiomas depend on the tumor's location; common symptoms include headache, nausea and vomiting, vision loss, and double vision.Meningiomas on the cerebral convexity can cause seizures and hemiplegia.
2. Is a meningioma a benign tumor?
Most meningiomas are benign (WHO Grade I) and slow-growing.A small number are atypical (Grade II) or malignant (Grade III), characterized by high aggressiveness and high recurrence rates.
3. What are the surgical treatment options for meningioma?
Surgical resection is the preferred treatment for symptomatic or growing meningiomas, aiming for total removal of the tumor and the involved dura mater.The Simpson grading system is used to assess the extent of resection; Grade I resection is associated with the lowest recurrence rate.
4. What is minimally invasive treatment for meningioma?
Small, deep-seated, or high-risk meningiomas can be treated with stereotactic radiotherapy (e.g., Gamma Knife), which delivers precise radiation to the tumor, avoiding craniotomy.Some skull base meningiomas can be removed via endoscopic endonasal surgery.
5. Do asymptomatic meningiomas require treatment?
Incidental, asymptomatic meningiomas may be managed through observation and follow-up, with annual MRI scans to monitor for tumor changes.Treatment is required if the tumor grows significantly or symptoms develop.
6. How is malignant meningioma treated?
Atypical and malignant meningiomas require surgical resection, followed by adjuvant radiotherapy to reduce the risk of recurrence.Recurrent tumors may be treated with repeat surgery or radiotherapy.
7. Follow-up after meningioma treatment?
Undergo regular post-operative MRI follow-ups: annually for benign meningiomas, and more frequently for high-grade tumors.Watch for new symptoms such as headaches, seizures, or changes in vision.
