Meningioma Treatment

Meningioma is one of the most common tumors of the central nervous system, originating from the cells of the membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Although most meningiomas are benign, they can cause serious neurological problems depending on their location. Today, highly successful results are achieved in meningioma treatment thanks to advanced imaging methods, microsurgical techniques, and radiosurgery applications.

One of the most important issues for patients diagnosed with meningioma is determining the appropriate treatment method. When creating a treatment plan, the size of the tumor, its location, growth rate, the patient’s age, and general health condition are taken into consideration. Evaluation by experienced neurosurgeons is of great importance during this process. Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı offers comprehensive treatment options to his patients by applying current methods in the diagnosis and treatment of meningiomas and other brain tumors.

What Is Meningioma?

Meningioma is a tumor that originates not from the brain tissue itself, but from the membrane layers called the meninges that surround the brain and spinal cord.

It is quite common among brain tumors and occurs more frequently, particularly in middle-aged and older individuals. One of its notable characteristics is that it is more common in women than in men.

Most meningiomas grow slowly and may not cause symptoms for a long time. However, as the tumor grows, it may put pressure on the surrounding brain tissue and cause various symptoms.

What Causes Meningioma?

The exact cause of meningioma is not fully known. However, certain risk factors are thought to play a role in the development of the disease.

Genetic Factors: Some genetic disorders may increase the risk of developing meningioma. In particular, patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 have a higher likelihood of developing meningioma.

Radiation Exposure: Previous radiation therapy applied to the head region may increase the risk of meningioma.

Hormonal Factors: Since meningiomas occur more frequently in women, hormonal factors are also thought to play a role in the development of meningioma.

Age Factor: Meningiomas are generally more common in individuals over the age of 40.

What Are the Symptoms of Meningioma?

Symptoms may vary depending on the location and size of the tumor.

Headache: It is one of the most common symptoms. Headaches that gradually increase in severity and become chronic should be carefully evaluated.

Epileptic Seizures: Meningiomas that put pressure on brain tissue may cause seizures.

Vision Problems: Blurred vision, double vision, or visual field loss may occur.

Balance and Walking Disorders: These types of symptoms may occur in tumors located near the balance centers of the brain.

Weakness in the Arms and Legs: Meningiomas that put pressure on motor areas may cause loss of movement or reduced strength.

Memory and Concentration Problems

Some patients may experience forgetfulness and impairment in cognitive functions.

How Is Meningioma Diagnosed?

A detailed neurological evaluation and imaging methods are of great importance in the diagnosis of meningioma.

Neurological Examination: The patient’s reflexes, muscle strength, sensory functions, and balance system are evaluated.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): It is the most commonly used imaging method in the diagnosis of meningioma. The size and location of the tumor can be visualized in detail.

Computed Tomography (CT): It can be particularly useful in evaluating bone structures.

Pathological Examination: Laboratory examination of surgically removed tumor tissue provides the definitive diagnosis.

Types of Meningioma

Meningiomas are evaluated in different grades according to the World Health Organization classification.

Grade 1 Meningioma

It is the most common type and is considered benign. It generally grows slowly.

Grade 2 Meningioma

It is referred to as atypical meningioma. The risk of recurrence is higher.

Grade 3 Meningioma

These are rare but more aggressive malignant meningiomas.

How Is Meningioma Treated?

Meningioma treatment is planned individually. The same approach is not applied to every patient.

Monitoring and Observation

For some small and asymptomatic meningiomas, regular monitoring may be preferred instead of active treatment.

In Which Patients Is It Preferred?

• In small tumors
• In elderly patients
• In asymptomatic cases
• In slow-growing meningiomas

MRI scans are performed at regular intervals to monitor the growth of the tumor.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is the most common method used in meningioma treatment.

Purpose of Surgery: The primary aim of surgery is to remove the tumor as completely as possible.

Microsurgical Techniques: Today, more precise operations are performed using advanced microscopes and neuronavigation systems.

Advantages of Surgery

• Reduction of tumor burden
• Relief of pressure on the brain
• Improvement of symptoms
• Obtaining a definitive diagnosis

Surgical Risks

As with any surgery, meningioma surgery may involve certain risks. However, these risks can be significantly reduced when operations are performed by experienced teams.

Radiosurgery Treatment

In some meningiomas, radiosurgery may be performed instead of surgery or after surgery.

Gamma Knife Treatment: Gamma Knife is an advanced treatment method that enables high-dose radiation to be precisely focused on the target.

CyberKnife Treatment: It is one of the precise radiosurgery applications performed using robotic technology.

In Which Situations Is It Used?

• In small meningiomas
• In patients who are not suitable for surgery
• In residual tumor tissue after surgery
• In recurrent meningiomas

Radiotherapy

In some patients, conventional radiotherapy may also be included in the treatment plan.

Radiotherapy is an important treatment option, particularly in atypical or malignant meningiomas.

Recovery Process After Meningioma Treatment

The post-treatment process may vary depending on the method applied.

Hospital Stay: Patients who undergo surgery may be monitored in the hospital for several days.

Physical Recovery: Most patients can gradually return to their daily activities.

Regular Check-Ups: MRI examinations should be performed at regular intervals after treatment.

Rehabilitation: Physical therapy or neurological rehabilitation programs may be applied in some patients.

Does Meningioma Recur?

The risk of meningioma recurrence depends on the grade of the tumor and the extent of its removal.

Low-Risk Meningiomas

The risk of recurrence is low in completely removed Grade 1 meningiomas.

Atypical and Malignant Meningiomas

The likelihood of recurrence is higher in these types, and close follow-up is required.

The Importance of Early Diagnosis in Meningioma Treatment

Early diagnosis significantly increases treatment success.

When symptomatic tumors are detected at an early stage, intervention can be performed while they are smaller. This may both increase surgical success and reduce the risk of complications.

It is particularly important for individuals who have been experiencing persistent headaches, seizures, or neurological symptoms for a long time to seek specialist evaluation without delay.

Modern Approaches in Meningioma Treatment

Developments in the field of neurosurgery in recent years have led to significant advances in meningioma treatment.

Neuronavigation Systems

They help the surgeon target the tumor more precisely during surgery.

Intraoperative Imaging

It enables imaging to be performed during the operation.

Microsurgical Techniques

They contribute to safer and more effective tumor removal.

Advanced Radiosurgery Systems

They provide alternative or complementary treatment options to surgery.

Meningioma, although one of the most common tumors of the central nervous system, is among the conditions that can be successfully treated today. When determining the treatment method, the size, location, grade of the tumor, and the patient’s general health condition are taken into consideration. Different options such as observation, surgery, radiosurgery, and radiotherapy can be individually planned for each patient.

Thanks to early diagnosis and the correct treatment approach, many patients can return to a healthy life. It is of great importance for patients who are suspected of having meningioma or who have been diagnosed with meningioma to be evaluated by an experienced neurosurgeon. With extensive experience in this field, Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı provides individualized solutions to his patients by using modern diagnostic and treatment methods in meningioma treatment.