Meningioma
40% of all cancers spread to the brain
Meningioma
What is a meningioma?
Meningioma is the most common form of adult primary brain tumour, that develops in the meninges – the membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Meningiomas account for approximately 30-37% of all adult central nervous system tumours. Most are low-grade (non-cancerous) primary brain tumours.
Read more Show lessWhat causes a meningioma?
The direct cause of a brain tumour is still not clear, so more investment in research is urgently needed. A patient’s personal medical history of genetic and lifestyle factors and in some cases, previous exposure to potential risk factors may help inform a diagnosis.
Read more Show lessAre there different types of meningioma?
Approximately 80-90% meningiomas are grade 1 and slow-growing, but some are more aggressive, which is why medical teams ideally want to take a biopsy (a small sample taking during a surgical operation) of each tumour. This enables clinicians to classify the tumour both histologically (through a microscope) and using molecular profiling (studying the genetic characteristics of the tumour).
Read more Show lessHow serious is a meningioma?
Meningiomas are typically slow-growing tumours that originate from the meninges, the protective covering around the brain and spinal cord. Most meningiomas are benign, meaning they are not cancerous, and they do not spread to other parts of the body. However, some meningiomas can become large and press on important structures in the brain or spinal cord, causing symptoms such as headaches, seizures, or changes in vision or hearing.
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What are the symptoms of meningioma?
Signs and symptoms of a meningioma may be quite subtle at first, only growing gradually and depending on where in the brain or (in rare instances) the spine the tumour is situated.
Read more Show lessWhat is the survival rate of meningioma?
The survival rate for meningioma depends on various factors, such as the size and location of the tumour, the age and overall health of the patient, and the grade of the tumour. The grade of a meningioma refers to how abnormal the cells appear under a microscope, and it can range from grade I (benign) to grade III (malignant).
Read more Show lessCan an MRI tell if a meningioma is benign?
An MRI can help in the diagnosis of meningiomas, but it cannot definitively determine whether a meningioma is benign or malignant. Meningiomas are typically slow-growing tumours that arise from the meninges, the protective covering around the brain and spinal cord. They can be classified as either benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), based on their appearance under a microscope.
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