Meningioma is the noncancerous tumors that develop in the coverings of the brain and the spinal cord known as meninges. Rarely, they can be cancerous and some are classified as atypical; meaning they are neither cancerous nor noncancerous but something in between. These tumors are mostly found on the outer curve of the brain and at the base of the skull. They mostly develop inward on the brain causing pressure and when they grow outwards, it causes the thickening of the skull. Some of these contain the sacs of fluids known as cysts. Around one-third of all brain tumors are considered to be meningioma and commonly affect the middle-aged women, although it can occur in men and rarely among the children.
Causes
Although the exact cause of meningioma is not known, it develops as the result of changes in the cells of the meninges that continue to multiply abnormally forming the tumor. Research suggests that around 40 – 80% of the affected individual present abnormal chromosome 22 which is normally involved in suppressing the growth of tumors. They have the extra copies of the platelet-derived growth factor and epidermal growth factor receptors which are believed to contribute to the development of meningioma. Individuals with the radiation exposure to the head, neurofibromatosis type 2 and a history of breast cancer are also at increased risk of developing these tumors.
Symptoms
The signs of meningioma can initially be very subtle and are based on the location of the brain it develops. Some of the common symptoms of this tumor include a change in vision such as blurriness, weakness of the limbs, loss of smell, memory problem, hearing loss, headaches that become worse and seizures. Individuals who experience the sudden onset of seizures and sudden changes of the vision or memory should seek medical care as this can be an indication of an emergency.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing the meningioma can determine its type, the size and the location of the tumor so the effective treatment plan can be initiated. The nervous system will be checked by evaluating the reflexes, sensation of the limbs and to see if the optic nerve is swollen which can be an indication of increased pressure of the brain. Meningioma is detected using various tests such as CT scan of the brain and the head, a biopsy or with the MRI scan which can provide detailed images of the brain and meningiomas.
Treatment
Surgery is the common form of treatment to remove the tumors although some of the tumors cannot be removed. Radiation therapy is the mode of treatment when tumors cannot be surgically removed or for the recurring tumors. The treatment can result in side-effects that will be discussed by the physician and how to manage their effects. Depending on the cases, careful monitoring is considered with regular scans to identify any changes.
References
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/meningioma/basics/treatment/con-20026098
