Meningiomas

A meningioma is a tumor that occurs in the meninges, the tissue layer that covers the brain and spine.

Meningiomas grow on the surface of the brain or spinal cord. They are usually benign because they rarely spread and they grow very slowly.

Symptoms

Meningioma patients most commonly experience painful headaches, weakness or paralysis, a reduction in their field of vision and difficulties with speech.

The specific symptoms will depend on the tumor's location.

Diagnosis

If the meningioma is small and slow-growing, and the symptoms are minimal or easily controlled, diagnosis will involve observation and annual magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.

Treatment

Surgery may be necessary to determine whether the meningioma is a faster growing, malignant type known as anaplastic meningioma.

In those cases, your physician may recommend these alternatives:

• Minimally invasive surgery followed by conventional radiation therapy or stereotactic radiosurgery
• Targeted therapy with octreotide

Clinical trials also are an option. 

Learn more about our clinical trials ›