Understanding Your Meningioma Diagnosis

Meningioma is the most common form of tumor that starts in the central nervous system (CNS, the brain and spinal cord). Accounting for 37.6% of all primary CNS tumors and 50% of benign brain tumors, meningiomas affect the lining of the brain and spinal cord. 

While the survival rate for meningioma is high, it’s never easy to receive a brain tumor diagnosis. At Coast Neurosurgical Associates, we specialize in the diagnosis and advanced treatment of meningiomas. 

Your diagnosis is a lot to take in, even when your tumor isn’t cancerous. However, depending on the size and location, even benign tumors can affect your health. 

We’ve prepared this month’s blog to help you understand your meningioma diagnosis. 

Characteristics of meningioma

Meningiomas usually form either near the top of the brain or at the base of the skull. While your spine can be affected, meningioma tumors in that location are rare. 

Meningiomas come in three grades: 

• Grade I is the most common — a slow-growing tumor that remains benign
• Grade II is also benign, but it grows more quickly and is sometimes treatment-resistant
• While uncommon, Grade III meningiomas are malignant, and they grow and spread quickly.

The location is used to identify types of meningiomas. These include: 

• Convexity meningiomas: forming on the curved outer surface of the brain
• Sphenoid wing meningiomas: starting in a bone ridge behind the eyes
• Olfactory meningiomas: starting at the base of the brain 
• Intraventricular meningiomas: these grow within the spaces that carry cerebrospinal fluid

Your symptoms often depend on what area of the brain is affected and how much the tumor presses against the tissue. 

Signs and symptoms of meningioma

Meningiomas are usually slow-growing tumors, so symptoms may present slowly. When a tumor grows enough to press on brain tissue, symptoms may begin. 

Depending on the location, you may experience signs like: 

• Headaches
• Changes to your eyesight
• Hearing loss
• Changes to your sense of smell
• Problems with memory
• Loss of motor skills and muscle strength
• Seizures

Risk factors for meningioma include being over 65, use of birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy (HRT), breast cancer, radiation therapy to the head, or a family history of meningioma. 

Women are more likely than men to develop meningioma, but malignant meningioma occurs more frequently in men. 

Diagnosing meningioma

We start with a review of your symptoms and medical history. This is typically followed by appropriate neurological testing that further explores your symptoms. 

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the primary diagnostic imaging tool we use, although we may add computed tomography (CT) testing in certain situations. Your prognosis depends on the grade, location, and advancement of the tumor. 

Contact Coast Neurosurgical Associates to explore your symptoms or to learn more about your meningioma condition. Call or click to book your visit to our Long Beach, California office today.