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 lessWhat 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.
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