Meningioma is a brain tumor that starts from the brain or spinal cord’s protective membranes. It’s the head’s most usual tumor. These tumors grow slowly and can take many years to show symptoms.
The signs of meningioma depend on where it grows in the brain. You might notice vision changes, headaches, memory loss, seizures, and more. Weakness in arms and legs or speech problems might also happen.
The cause of meningiomas remains a mystery, but we know some things that increase risk. Getting radiation therapy, especially as a child, can up your chances. So can female hormones from birth control or hormone therapy. Genetic disorders like neurofibromatosis 2 also make it more likely to get meningiomas.
To diagnose meningioma, doctors often do MRI or CT scans. These tests help find the tumor and see where it is. Then, there are a few ways to treat it. If the tumor is small and not growing fast, watching and waiting might be an option. Surgery is very common, aiming to take out the tumor completely. Radiation or chemo therapy can help with tumors that surgery alone can’t treat, or if they come back after treatment.
There’s also hope in stem cell therapy for meningiomas. Scientists are looking into using special stem cells. These cells could be designed to attack and stop tumor growth. This could be a big step forward in fighting meningiomas.
Key Takeaways:
- Meningiomas are tumors that grow from the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
- Common symptoms of meningioma include changes in vision, headaches, hearing loss, memory loss, seizures, weakness, and trouble speaking.
- Risk factors for meningioma include previous radiation treatment, female hormones, and certain genetic conditions.
- Diagnosis involves imaging tests such as MRI and CT scans.
- Treatment options include observation, surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and emerging stem cell therapy.
Symptoms of Meningioma
Meningioma symptoms usually start off slow. They might be tricky to notice right away. The symptoms change based on where the tumor is in the brain.
Some signs you might see are:
- Changes in vision like seeing double or it’s not clear
- Headaches that get worse in the morning
- Hearing loss or sounds like ringing in your ears
- Forgetfulness
- Not being able to smell
- Having sudden, uncontrolled movements (seizures)
- Feeling weak in arms or legs
- Difficulty talking
If you have seizures happening suddenly, vision or memory changes fast, or any symptoms that stay and scare you, it’s key to see a doctor. This is for more checks and to get a clear diagnosis.
Table of Symptoms
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Changes in vision | Seeing double, blurring |
| Headaches | Worse in the morning |
| Hearing loss | Ringing in the ears |
| Memory loss | Difficulty remembering |
| Loss of smell | Inability to smell |
| Seizures | Uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain |
| Weakness in the arms or legs | Difficulty moving limbs |
| Trouble speaking | Difficulty communicating verbally |
Causes and Risk Factors of Meningioma
Meningiomas start in the layers around the brain and spinal cord. We’re not exactly sure why they happen. But, we know some things that might make you more likely to get one.
Radiation Treatment
If you got radiation when you were a kid, you could be at risk for meningioma. But, this is mostly from treatments like radiation therapy, not from things like cell phones.
Female Hormones
These tumors are often found in women. Taking birth control or hormones after menopause might raise your risk. Changes in hormones due to having a baby or menopause could also play a part.
Genetic Conditions
Some health conditions passed down in families can up your chances of getting meningiomas. People with these conditions are more likely to get tumors in their brain.
Obesity
Being overweight might also raise your meningioma risk. But, we’re not totally clear on the connection. More studies are needed to understand how obesity and these tumors are linked.
| Causes and Risk Factors of Meningioma |
|---|
| Radiation Treatment |
| Exposure to radiation, especially in childhood, can increase your meningioma risk. |
| Female Hormones |
| Using birth control pills or hormone therapy can raise your risk. |
| Genetic Conditions |
| If familial conditions like neurofibromatosis 2 are in your family, your meningioma risk may increase. |
| Obesity |
| Being obese has been linked to a higher risk, but the connection needs more study. |
Experts are working to learn more about meningioma. It’s crucial to know that having a risk factor does not mean you will get this tumor. Many people with meningioma have no known risk factors. If you worry about your risk or want prevention tips, talk to your doctor.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Meningioma
Doctors use MRI and CT scans to diagnose meningioma. These tests find and pinpoint the tumor. Knowing its size and location is key in its diagnosis.
For treatment, doctors consider the tumor’s size, where it is, and its type. If it’s small and slow to grow, they might just watch it.
Surgery is usually the first step. The goal is to take out as much of the tumor as possible. This can make things better for the patient. In some cases, when complete removal isn’t doable or it’s in a risky spot, radiation might be needed. It can be used with or instead of surgery.
Chemo isn’t very common for meningiomas. But, it could be an option if the tumor keeps coming back or gets worse. Experts are also looking into using stem cells to fight these tumors. It’s a new way that could one day offer more hope.
The outlook for meningioma patients depends on many things, like the tumor’s details and the person’s health. Keeping a close check and getting regular care are vital. This helps spot any problems early and treat them well.