How Is Meningioma Treated?

Meningioma is one of the most common brain tumors in adults, originating from the membrane tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Although most meningiomas are benign, they can cause serious neurological problems depending on their location. One of the most frequently asked questions by patients diagnosed with meningioma is "How is meningioma treated?"

Today, surgical operations, radiotherapy applications, and in some cases drug treatments are used in the treatment of meningioma. However, the same method is not suitable for every patient. The treatment plan is determined according to the size of the tumor, its location, growth rate, and the patient's general health condition.

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı, who has carried out important studies in the field of brain and nerve surgery, emphasizes that a personalized approach is of great importance in meningioma treatment and that each patient should be evaluated in detail.

What Is Meningioma?

Meningioma is a tumor that develops not from the brain itself, but from the membrane tissues called meninges that surround the brain.

According to the World Health Organization classification, meningiomas are divided into three main groups:

• Grade 1 (benign)
• Grade 2 (atypical)
• Grade 3 (aggressive)

This classification is of great importance when creating the treatment plan.

Is Meningioma Treatment Necessary?

Treatment may not be mandatory for every patient diagnosed with meningioma.

• It may be very small,
• It may not cause symptoms,
• It may not show growth for a long time.

In such cases, regular follow-up may be considered sufficient.

• Growth of the tumor
• Increase in headaches
• Vision problems
• Development of seizures
• Balance disorder
• Development of brain edema

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı states that when deciding on meningioma treatment, not only the size of the tumor but also the patient's quality of life should be taken into consideration.

Methods Used in Meningioma Treatment

There are three main approaches in meningioma treatment.

• Surgical treatment
• Radiotherapy and radiosurgery
• Drug treatment

In some patients, these methods may be applied together.

How Is Meningioma Surgery Performed?

Surgical treatment is one of the most frequently applied and most effective methods for meningiomas.

• To completely remove the tumor
• To relieve pressure on the brain
• To reduce symptoms
• To improve the patient's quality of life

Who Undergoes Meningioma Surgery?

• Large tumors
• Rapidly growing meningiomas
• Tumors that cause seizures
• Tumors that cause vision loss
• Meningiomas that cause brain edema

How Long Does Meningioma Surgery Take?

The duration of surgery varies depending on the location and size of the tumor.

• It may take between 3 and 8 hours.
• The duration may be longer for tumors located at the skull base.

Is Meningioma Surgery Risky?

As with every brain surgery, there are certain risks.

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Neurological deficits
• Seizures
• Brain edema

However, today, thanks to advanced surgical techniques, success rates are quite high.

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı states that detailed preoperative planning and advanced imaging methods significantly reduce the risks of complications.

The Process After Meningioma Surgery

The recovery period after surgery may vary from patient to patient.

Hospital Stay

Most patients:

• Stay in the hospital for between 3 and 7 days.

Return to Normal Life

Many patients:

• Can return to their daily lives within 4 to 8 weeks.

Follow-Ups

Regular MRI follow-ups are performed after surgery.

These follow-ups are important for the early detection of possible recurrences.

What Is Radiotherapy for Meningioma?

Radiotherapy is a treatment method that aims to stop the growth of tumor cells by using high-energy radiation.

• In tumors that cannot be completely removed
• In recurrent meningiomas
• In patients with a high surgical risk

it may be preferred.

Which Patients Receive Radiotherapy?

• Presence of residual tumor tissue
• Aggressive meningiomas
• Recurrent cases
• Patients who are not suitable for surgery

How Many Sessions Does Radiotherapy Take?

Although it varies according to the treatment plan:

• It may be administered in between 20 and 35 sessions.

Each session usually lasts a few minutes.

Gamma Knife and Radiosurgery Treatment

In recent years, one of the most researched methods in meningioma treatment has been Gamma Knife treatment.

Gamma Knife is not a surgery.

It is an advanced radiosurgery method performed without opening the skull.

Which Meningiomas Is Gamma Knife Used For?

• Small tumors
• Skull base meningiomas
• Tissues remaining after surgery
• Tumors located in risky areas

What Is the Success Rate of Gamma Knife?

In many cases, highly successful results are achieved in stopping tumor growth.

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı states that radiosurgery is an effective option in suitable patients and may be an alternative to surgery in some cases.

Are Medications Used in Meningioma Treatment?

Medications are generally not the main treatment method in meningioma treatment.

However, in some cases, they may be used for supportive purposes.

Cortisone Treatment

It may be administered to reduce brain edema.

• Severe headache
• Pressure on the brain
• Preoperative preparation

It may be used during these processes.

Antiepileptic Medications

They are preferred in patients who experience seizures.

The aim is to prevent new seizures.

Painkiller Treatments

They may help control headaches and other complaints.

Is There a Medication That Eliminates Meningioma?

Today, there is no standard drug treatment that completely eliminates meningioma.

Therefore, surgery and radiotherapy are still among the main treatment methods.

What Is the Success Rate of Meningioma Treatment?

The success rate depends on many factors.

• Grade of the tumor
• Location
• Size
• Patient's age
• General health condition

These can be listed as the main factors.

Long-term outcomes after treatment are quite successful in benign meningiomas.

Can Meningioma Recur?

Yes.

Some meningiomas may reappear years later.

The risk of recurrence is higher in the following situations:

• Aggressive tumors
• Meningiomas that cannot be completely removed
• Grade 2 and Grade 3 tumors

Therefore, regular follow-up is of great importance.

How Is Recurrence Monitored?

Follow-up is continued with:

• Regular MRI scans
• Neurological examination
• Symptom evaluation

Life After Meningioma Treatment

After treatment, many patients can return to their normal lives.

• Not skipping follow-up appointments
• Eating a healthy diet
• Sleeping regularly
• Not smoking
• Maintaining physical activity

These habits may contribute to maintaining general health.

The Importance of Early Intervention in Meningioma Treatment

Treatment options are broader in meningiomas diagnosed early.

• Severe headaches
• Vision problems
• Balance disorders
• Seizures

When symptoms such as these occur, specialist evaluation should not be neglected.

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı emphasizes that early diagnosis both increases surgical success and helps preserve patients' quality of life.

Meningioma treatment is a multifaceted process planned according to the characteristics of the tumor and the patient's clinical condition. Today, a significant proportion of meningiomas can be successfully controlled thanks to surgical treatment, radiotherapy, Gamma Knife applications, and supportive drug treatments. As also stated by Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı, every patient is different, and the most appropriate treatment approach should be determined after a detailed evaluation. Regular follow-up, early diagnosis, and proper treatment planning are among the most important factors that increase success in meningioma management.