Meningioma

Meningioma
Other namesMeningeal tumor[1]
An MRI of the brain, demonstrating the appearance of a meningioma
SpecialtyNeurosurgery, Neuro-oncology
SymptomsNone, seizures, dementia, trouble talking, vision problems, one sided weakness[2]
Usual onsetAdults[1]
TypesWHO Grade 1, 2, or 3[1]
Risk factorsIonizing radiation, family history[3]
Diagnostic methodMedical imaging[2]
Differential diagnosisHaemangiopericytoma, lymphoma, schwannoma, solitary fibrous tumour, metastasis[4]
TreatmentObservation, surgery, radiation therapy[2]
MedicationAnticonvulsants, corticosteroids[2]
Prognosis95% ten year survival with complete removal[5]
Frequencyc. 1 per 1,000 (US)[3]

Meningioma, also known as meningeal tumor, is typically a slow-growing tumor that forms from the meninges, the membranous layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord.[1] Symptoms depend on the location and occur as a result of the tumor pressing on nearby tissue.[3][6] Many cases never produce symptoms.[2] Occasionally seizures, dementia, trouble talking, vision problems, one sided weakness, or loss of bladder control may occur.[2]

Risk factors include exposure to ionizing radiation such as during radiation therapy, a family history of the condition, and neurofibromatosis type 2.[2][3] They appear to be able to form from a number of different types of cells including arachnoid cells.[1][2] Diagnosis is typically by medical imaging.[2]

If there are no symptoms, periodic observation may be all that is required.[2] Most cases that result in symptoms can be cured by surgery.[1] Following complete removal fewer than 20% recur.[2] If surgery is not possible or all the tumor cannot be removed, radiosurgery may be helpful.[2] Chemotherapy has not been found to be useful.[2] A small percentage grow rapidly and are associated with worse outcomes.[1]

About one per thousand people in the United States are currently affected.[3] Onset is usually in adults.[1] In this group they represent about 30% of brain tumors.[4] Women are affected about twice as often as men.[3] Meningiomas were reported as early as 1614 by Felix Plater.[7]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h "Adult Central Nervous System Tumors Treatment". National Cancer Institute. 26 August 2016. Archived from the original on 28 July 2017.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Ferri FF (2017). Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2018 E-Book: 5 Books in 1. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 809. ISBN 978-0-323-52957-0. Archived from the original on 2017-09-10.
  3. ^ a b c d e f Wiemels J, Wrensch M, Claus EB (September 2010). "Epidemiology and etiology of meningioma". Journal of Neuro-Oncology. 99 (3): 307–314. doi:10.1007/s11060-010-0386-3. PMC 2945461. PMID 20821343.
  4. ^ a b Starr CJ, Cha S (September 2017). "Meningioma mimics: five key imaging features to differentiate them from meningiomas". Clinical Radiology. 72 (9): 722–728. doi:10.1016/j.crad.2017.05.002. PMID 28554578.
  5. ^ Goodman C, Fuller KS (2011). Pathology for the Physical Therapist Assistant – E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 192. ISBN 978-1-4377-0893-6. Archived from the original on 2017-09-10.
  6. ^ World Cancer Report 2014. World Health Organization. 2014. pp. Chapter 5.16. ISBN 978-92-832-0429-9.
  7. ^ Lee JH (2008-12-11). Meningiomas: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Outcome. Springer Science & Business Media. pp. 3–13. ISBN 978-1-84628-784-8.