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About Meningiomas
Meningiomas are usually slow growing, and may become quite large before causing symptoms. These generally benign brain tumors are most often found near the top of the brain, along the outer curve of the brain, and along the ridge at the bottom of the brain. As the tumor grows, it may interfere with the normal functions of the brain.The symptoms depend on the location of the tumor. The first symptoms are usually due to increased pressure on the brain caused by the growing tumor. Headache and weakness in an arm or leg are the most common, although seizures, personality changes, or visual problems may also occur. Pain and loss of sensation or weakness in the arms or legs are the most common symptoms of spinal cord meningioma. Diagnosis begins with a neurological examination, followed by an MRI and/or a CT scan. MR angiography (a MRI scan of the blood vessels) or an arteriogram (a blood vessel Xray) may be performed to help the doctors plan an embolization -- a procedure to block the blood vessels in the tumor. Used for tumors that have an extensive blood supply, embolization may help reduce bleeding during surgery. If you have a tumor, these tests help your doctor determine the location, size, and probable type of tumor. However, only an examination of a sample of tumor tissue under a microscope confirms the exact diagnosis. Such a tissue sample can only be obtained through a surgical biopsy or excision.
Researchers are studying several theories about the possible origins of meningiomas. Between 40% and 80% of meningiomas contain an abnormal chromosome 22. This chromosome is normally involved in suppressing tumor growth. The cause of this abnormality is not known. Meningiomas also frequently have extra copies of the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGFR) and epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) which may contribute to the growth of these tumors.
Previous radiation to the head, a history of breast cancer, or neurofibromatosis type 2 may be risk factors for developing meningioma. Multiple meningiomas occur in 5% to 15% of patients, particularly those with neurofibromatosis type 2. Some meningiomas have receptors that interact with the sex hormones progesterone, androgen, and less commonly, estrogen. The expression of progesterone receptor is seen most often in benign meningiomas, both in men and women. The function of these receptors is not fully understood, and thus, it is often challenging for doctors to advise their female patients about the use of hormones if they have a history of a meningioma. Although the exact role of hormones in the growth of meningiomas has not been determined, researchers have observed that occasionally meningiomas may grow faster during pregnancy. If you have questions about using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) during menopause, please discuss your concerns with your doctors. Together, you can weigh the benefits and risks in light of your individual health situation.
More detailed information about meningiomas, as well as other tumors, is available in the Types of Tumors section of our web site. Or, visit other sections of the ABTA web site:
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American Brain Tumor Association
2720 River Road
Des Plaines, IL 60018
Phone: 847-827-9910
Fax: 847-827-9918
Toll-free Phone: 800-886-2282
E-mail: info@abta.org
2720 River Road
Des Plaines, IL 60018
Phone: 847-827-9910
Fax: 847-827-9918
Toll-free Phone: 800-886-2282
E-mail: info@abta.org