Meningioma Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Meningioma is a tumor that arises from the meningeal lining, which is the membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Although technically not a brain tumor, this disease falls into that category because it has the possibility to push on or push on surrounding brain structures, nerves, or blood vessels.
Meningioma is one of the most common types of tumors in the head. Most meningiomas grow slowly over many years, without causing any symptoms. However, in some cases, the resulting impact on the surrounding brain tissue, nerves or blood vessels can cause disability.
Meningiomas are more common in women and often occur at an older age – although they can occur in any age group. Because most meningiomas grow slowly without significant signs or symptoms, they do not always require immediate treatment and can be monitored over time.
Symptom
Meningioma signs and symptoms generally develop gradually and can start with very mild symptoms. Depending on the position of the head and spine, signs and symptoms can include:
- Vision changes, such as double vision or foggy vision
- Progressive headaches
- Hearing loss or hearing a ringing sound
- Memory loss
- Loss of the ability to smell
- seizures
- Weakness in the arms and legs
Reason
The cause of meningioma is not known with certainty. Experts know that a process occurs that changes the structure of some cells in the meningeal lining causing them to multiply uncontrollably, causing meningioma tumors to form.
Several risk factors that are thought to increase the likelihood of developing meningioma are:
- Exposure to radiation. Radiation therapy that involves irradiating radiation to the head can increase the risk of meningioma.
- Hormonal factors. Meningiomas are more common in women, which has led experts to suspect that certain hormones may play a role. Several existing studies also point to a relationship between breast cancer and the risk of meningioma related to the role of certain hormones.
- Inherited diseases of the nervous system. There is a rare neurological disorder called neurofibromatosis type-2 that increases the risk of developing meningioma and other brain tumors.
- Obesity A high body mass index (BMI) is associated with a risk of several types of cancer. Individuals who are obese are associated with a higher prevalence of meningioma.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing a meningioma is difficult because the tumor generally grows slowly. Progressive symptoms of meningioma are also slow and can sometimes be similar to symptoms in other diseases or considered a sign of normal aging.
If the doctor who treats you suspects a meningioma, you can be referred to a neurologist for further evaluation.
To determine the diagnosis of meningioma, the doctor will perform a thorough neurological examination followed by imaging tests, such as:
- Computerized Tomography (CT) scan, to get a cross-sectional view of the brain.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), which uses a magnetic field and sound waves to make cross-sectional images of the structures in the brain. An MRI scan can show more detailed images of the brain and meningiomas.
In some cases, examination of a sample of the tumor using the biopsy method may be necessary to rule out another type of tumor.
Handling
Treatment for meningioma depends on a variety of factors, which include:
- The size and location of the meningioma
- Growth speed
- Age and overall health
- Purpose of treatment
In general, tumors that are small and slow growing may not require immediate aggressive treatment, and regular monitoring is appropriate. In this case, periodic imaging examinations can be carried out to evaluate the condition of the meningioma and see if there are signs of growth.
If a meningioma is causing bothersome signs and symptoms or showing signs of growth, your treating doctor may recommend surgery. The removal can be part or all of the meningioma, depending on its location.
If the meningioma cannot be completely removed, the doctor may recommend radiation therapy after the surgical procedure. The goal of radiation therapy is to kill any remaining meningioma cells and reduce the chance of meningioma recurring.
Radiation therapy is carried out using equipment that directs high-energy waves of energy at tumor cells. There are various types of radiation therapy that can be done, depending on the location and size of the meningioma.
Chemotherapy drugs are rarely used to treat meningioma but may be recommended in cases that do not show a response to surgery and radiation. However, the most suitable type of treatment is still in the research stage.
Prevention
Because the cause of meningioma is not known with certainty, there are no prevention strategies that have proven effective in avoiding meningioma.