A meningioma is referred to as a tumor starts appearing on membranes covering the brain and spinal cord inside the skull. Specifically, the particular tumor appears on the three layers of membranes, known as meninges. These are slow-growing tumors and approximately 90% of them are benign or not cancerous.
Most of the meningiomas develop in the brain, however, they can also develop on portions of the spinal cord.
Frequently, meningiomas show no signs and it does not require any immediate treatment, however, the advancement of benign meningiomas can result in serious issues. In some scenarios, this growth can be deadly.
The most common type of tumor, meningiomas, sources in the central nervous system. They form in women more frequently than in men. Some meningiomas are categorized as atypical.They cannot be regarded as either benign or malignant, however, they might become malignant.
A small number of meningiomas are malignant. They may grow quickly and they spread to various other parts of the brain and further on, frequently to the lungs.
Meningioma – Causes and Risk Factors
The causes of meningioma have not been completely understood. As per the findings, two known risk factors are there and these are Exposure to radiation and Neurofibromatosis type 2, a genetic disorder.
Earlier, the injury might also play a role of a risk factor, however, a current study has failed to confirm the statement. Meningiomas have been discovered in regions where skull fractures have caused. They have also been discovered in regions where the adjacent membrane has become scarred.
Some research states a connection between meningiomas and the progesterone hormone. Most cases of meningiomas happen between the age groups of 30 and 70. They are rarely discovered in children.
Meningioma – Symptoms
As most meningiomas develop in a very slow manner, symptoms frequently appear gradually if they appear at all. The most common signs are Headaches, Blurred vision, Numbness, Speech problems, Weakness in arms or legs, and Seizures.
Meningiomas – Diagnosis
Meningiomas can be diagnosed rarely prior to initiate causing symptoms. If symptoms show the possibility related to the tumor, a doctor may suggest a brain scan, either an MRI and/or a CT scan. These will enable the doctor to discover the meningioma and determine the size of it.
Sometimes, a biopsy might also be performed. A surgeon eliminates the portion or the complete tumor to decide whether it’s benign or malignant.
If the tumor does not cause any sign, observation is frequently recommended. Regular brain scans will also be done to check if it is growing. If the growth of the tumor threatens to develop issues or if signs start to develop, surgery might be crucial.
If surgery becomes necessary, then a craniotomy is going to be typically done. The process is involved with the removal of a piece of bone from the skull through which the surgeon can access the affected area of the brain.
Radiation might also be used to destroy cancer cells in case the tumor is malignant. To know about Meningioma treatment in india, you can make a consultation with a doctor.