What You Need To Know About Meningioma Brain Tumor

Brain tumors are of varied types. Meningioma is a tumor which forms on the meninges –the three layers of membranes –which cover the spinal cord and skull. In nearly 90% cases the tumor is non-malignant but it can become malignant at any point of time. The tumors grow in the brain as well as the spinal cord. In most cases the presence of the tumors will not be felt till they start showing the symptoms. The problems start when the tumors start to grow.

Who are more prone to meningioma

The meningioma occurs in the central nervous system and is found more in women between the age of 30 and 70. It is rarely found in children. Meningioma is rarely cancerous but if is malignant then it spreads quickly to various part of the brain and even lungs. The tumor grows very slowly and demonstrates the symptoms gradually only when it has reached a huge size. Most meningiomas grow on the inside but some may also grow on the outside making the skull thick. They often contain mineral deposits, fluid sacks, and bunched blood vessels. Some of the symptoms include:

• Seizure
• Headache
• Hazy vision
• Weakness in legs and arms
• Speech problems
• Numbness

Why does it occur

The reasons behind meningioma is very difficult to diagnose. However, it has been found that reasons like exposure to any kind of radiation and genetic disorders like neurofibromatosis Type 2 may also be responsible. Recent study has revealed that injury may also be one of the reasons behind the development of the tumor. Patients with skull fractures have developed meningiomas in the places when the skull has cracked as well as places where the membrane is scarred. Some researches have also indicated that there might be a connection between the progesterone hormone and meningiomas.

Diagnosing the tumor

The tumor is not diagnosed in most cases prior to the development of the symptoms. CT scans and MRI scans are advised by the doctors before any meningioma surgery in India. The scans help in understanding the location and size of the tumor. A biopsy may also be required in such cases. If no major symptoms can be seen then only regular observation is advised. Routine brain scans help in understanding if the tumor is growing. Surgery is required only if the symptoms and growth seems threatening.

What happens in surgery

If the meningioma is at a critical stage then doctors will perform a craniotomy which involves removing a part of the skull to get access to the tumor. After the removal of the affected area the bone is replaced. Sometimes the location of the meningioma is such that a direct surgery is not possible. In such cases, radiation therapy is the only way out. Radiation is used to kill the malignant cells and thus prevent the growth of the tumor. It is important to discuss the condition of the patient and the meningioma surgery cost in India for ease of treatment.