Adults · Conditions
Meningioma
A usually benign tumour of the membranes covering the brain. Many are monitored; others are treated with surgery or radiosurgery.
What is it?
A meningioma is a tumour that grows from the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. It is one of the most common brain tumours in adults. Most meningiomas are benign (WHO grade 1) and slow-growing; a smaller number are atypical (grade 2) or, rarely, malignant (grade 3).
What symptoms can it cause?
Many meningiomas cause no symptoms and are found by chance. When symptoms occur, they depend on the position of the tumour and may include headaches, seizures, weakness, changes in vision, hearing or smell, or changes in personality or memory.
How is it assessed?
An MRI scan with contrast usually shows the typical appearance. If the meningioma is small and not causing symptoms, a repeat scan after some months helps show whether it is growing. Your care is planned with a multidisciplinary team, which may include neuro-oncologists, radiation oncologists, neuroradiologists and neuropathologists.
What are the treatment options?
Options include:
• Monitoring with regular scans, often suitable for small tumours without symptoms.
• Surgery to remove the tumour and, where possible, the attached membrane. Complete removal is not always safe when a tumour involves major blood vessels or nerves.
• Stereotactic radiosurgery (such as Gamma Knife) for selected small tumours, or for tumour left after surgery.
• Radiotherapy, particularly for higher-grade tumours.
When might surgery be considered?
Surgery may be advised when a meningioma causes symptoms, is growing, or is large or in a position where growth would cause problems. Your age, health and preferences are part of the decision.
What to expect from recovery and follow-up
Most people stay in hospital for a few days after surgery. Seizure medication may be needed for a time. Follow-up with regular MRI scans continues for years, because meningiomas can recur.
When to seek urgent help
If you have a sudden severe headache, a seizure, new weakness, confusion, difficulty speaking, or loss of bladder or bowel control, go to the nearest emergency unit or call 10177. If you are under our care, also call the hospital switchboard and ask for Dr Labuschagne (Netcare Unitas Hospital 012 677 8000; Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital 010 133 0600).
Dr Labuschagne's publications on this topic
- Labuschagne JJ, Chetty D. Glioblastoma multiforme as a secondary malignancy following stereotactic radiosurgery of a meningioma: case report. Neurosurg Focus. 2019;46(6):E11.
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This page is general information. Your doctor will advise on what applies to you.