Meningioma is a type of tumour that grows out of the membranes that cover the brain up in its many layers. Meningiomas are benign tumours that grow very slowly and don’t spread to the rest of the body. Symptoms that characterize meningioma often vary according to the location and the size of the tumour.
Doctors have not yet identified an actual cause for meningiomas. They are still trying to figure out what it is that makes meninges cells multiply and grow into a tumour.
Symptoms of meningioma usually do not appear until a later stage of the condition and may depend on where the tumour is located. Some of the common symptoms of meningioma include:
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Memory loss
- Vision trouble
- Loss of hearing
These symptoms do not usually appear until during a later stage of meningioma. When it does start to appear, it is critical that the symptoms receive immediate care as they can turn out to be dangerous.
There are certain risk factors that can increase the chances of you obtaining meningioma. The risk can be increased if:
- You have neurofibromatosis type 2
- Women and older people have a higher chance of obtaining meningioma
- If you have had radiation to the head
Meningioma is diagnosed using:
- CT Scan
- MRI Scan
The most usual treatment for meningioma is surgery but if your meningioma is harmless, it is not treated. Sometimes, other treatments may be necessary after surgery. These include:
- Radiosurgery
- Radiotherapy