Meningioma Symptoms and Treatment Options

Meningiomas are tumors that develop from the meninges, the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. As one of the commonly encountered types of brain tumors, meningiomas do not originate directly from brain tissue but from the layers of membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. A significant proportion of meningiomas are benign and slow-growing. However, the location, size, growth rate of the tumor, and the pressure it places on surrounding nerve tissues may cause different symptoms in patients.

In meningioma treatment, the same approach is not applied to every patient. While some small tumors that do not cause symptoms can be monitored with regular imaging, treatment options such as surgery or radiotherapy may be considered for meningiomas that are growing or causing neurological problems. Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı emphasizes the importance of developing an individualized treatment plan for brain tumors such as meningiomas by considering the characteristics of the tumor and the patient’s overall condition.

What Is a Meningioma?

A meningioma is a tumor that develops from the layers of membranes called the meninges, which surround the brain and spinal cord. Because most meningiomas grow slowly, they may not cause any symptoms for a long time. In some patients, they may be detected incidentally during a brain MRI or CT scan performed for another reason.

As the tumor grows, it may put pressure on brain tissue, nerves, or blood vessels in the area where it is located. In this case, different symptoms may occur, ranging from headaches and vision problems to seizures and loss of strength.

According to the World Health Organization classification, the majority of meningiomas are low-grade tumors. However, there are also types of meningiomas that grow more rapidly or have a higher tendency to recur.

What Causes Meningioma?

The exact cause of meningioma may not be determined in every patient. Genetic changes that cause cells to grow uncontrollably are known to play a role in tumor formation.

Some of the factors associated with the development of meningioma include exposure to ionizing radiation and certain inherited genetic disorders. In particular, the risk of developing meningioma may be increased in certain genetic conditions such as neurofibromatosis type 2.

Because meningiomas occur more frequently in women than in men, the relationship between hormonal factors and the development and growth of meningiomas is also being investigated. However, it is not possible to say that a single specific factor is responsible for every case of meningioma.

What Are the Symptoms of Meningioma?

Meningioma symptoms may vary depending on the location and size of the tumor and the pressure it places on surrounding structures. A small and slow-growing meningioma may not cause any symptoms for years.

• Persistent or progressively worsening headaches
• Blurred vision or double vision
• Hearing problems
• Weakness in the arms or legs
• Numbness and loss of sensation
• Balance and walking problems
• Epileptic seizures
• Difficulty speaking
• Changes in the sense of smell
• Memory and concentration problems
• Personality or behavioral changes

These symptoms are not specific to meningioma. Similar complaints may occur in many different neurological conditions. Therefore, neurological evaluation and necessary imaging examinations are required to determine the cause of the symptoms.

In patients evaluated by Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı, not only the size of the tumor but also its anatomical location in the brain and its relationship with important surrounding structures are among the key factors considered when planning treatment.

Can Meningioma Cause Headaches?

Meningioma may cause headaches in some patients. However, it is important to emphasize that not every headache is caused by a brain tumor.

As the tumor grows, it may place pressure on surrounding tissues or affect intracranial pressure, which may lead to headaches. Medical evaluation is particularly important for headaches that were not previously present, change in severity or character over time, or are accompanied by neurological symptoms.

How Is Meningioma Diagnosed?

When meningioma is suspected, the patient’s complaints and neurological examination findings are evaluated first. Imaging methods are then used.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI is one of the most commonly used methods for evaluating meningiomas. It allows the location and size of the tumor, its relationship with surrounding brain tissue, and certain structural characteristics to be examined in detail.

Computed Tomography (CT)

CT may be particularly helpful in evaluating the tumor’s relationship with bone structures and features such as calcification.

When it is necessary to determine the exact tumor type and grade, pathological examination of tissue obtained during surgery is performed.

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı states that detailed imaging results help determine the surgical strategy when planning meningioma treatment.

Is Meningioma Benign?

A significant proportion of meningiomas are low-grade and slow-growing tumors. However, it is not appropriate to consider all meningiomas as having the same characteristics.

According to the World Health Organization classification, meningiomas may be classified into different grades based on the cellular and molecular characteristics of the tumor. Higher-grade meningiomas may have a greater risk of growth and recurrence after treatment.

Therefore, when evaluating the course of the disease, instead of considering only whether the tumor is “benign” or “malignant,” its pathological characteristics, location, growth rate, and the extent to which it can be surgically removed should all be considered together.

How Is Meningioma Treated?

Meningioma treatment may vary from patient to patient. The size of the tumor, its location, growth rate, the patient’s age, overall health condition, and the symptoms it causes all play a role in determining the treatment approach.

The main treatment options are monitoring, surgery, and radiotherapy.

Monitoring Meningioma

Some small, asymptomatic meningiomas that are detected incidentally may not require immediate surgical intervention.

In these patients, MRI scans may be performed at certain intervals to monitor whether the tumor is growing. The frequency of follow-up examinations is determined by the doctor according to the characteristics of the tumor and the patient’s condition.

If significant tumor growth or new neurological symptoms develop during follow-up, treatment options are reassessed.

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı states that, particularly in incidentally detected meningiomas, the decision to perform surgery should not be based solely on the presence of the tumor but should also take into account its growth tendency and its effects on the patient.

Meningioma Surgery

Surgical treatment may be considered for meningiomas that cause symptoms, grow over time, or place pressure on important surrounding brain structures.

The primary goal of meningioma surgery is to safely remove as much tumor tissue as possible while preserving neurological functions to the greatest extent possible.

However, some meningiomas may be located close to important blood vessels, nerves, or critical areas of the brain. In such cases, attempting to remove the entire tumor may create additional neurological risks. The surgeon evaluates the balance between safety and the extent of tumor removal.

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı states that the anatomical location of the tumor and its relationship with critical nerve and vascular structures are important in planning meningioma surgery.

Is Meningioma Surgery Risky?

As with every neurosurgical procedure, meningioma surgery carries certain risks. The level of risk may vary depending on the location and size of the tumor and its relationship with surrounding structures.

Possible complications may include bleeding, infection, seizures, brain swelling, and changes in neurological function. The proximity of some tumors to critical blood vessels or nerves may make surgery more complex.

Therefore, patient-specific risks need to be evaluated in detail before surgery.

Radiotherapy for Meningioma

Radiotherapy may be used alone or following surgical treatment in some cases of meningioma.

Radiotherapy may be considered particularly for tumors that cannot be completely removed safely through surgery, recurrent meningiomas, or cases with pathological characteristics associated with a higher risk of regrowth.

Stereotactic radiosurgery may also be an option for some small meningiomas located in suitable areas. In this method, a high dose of radiation is precisely delivered to the targeted area.

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı emphasizes that surgery and radiotherapy should not necessarily be considered alternatives to one another, but rather as treatment tools that may be used in different situations according to the characteristics of the patient and the tumor.

Can Meningioma Recur?

Meningioma may recur after treatment. The likelihood of recurrence depends on factors such as the pathological grade and biological characteristics of the tumor, its location, and the extent to which it was removed during surgery.

Although the risk of recurrence is generally lower in low-grade meningiomas that can be completely removed, it is not zero. Higher-grade tumors may require closer follow-up.

Therefore, it is important for patients to continue MRI follow-up examinations at intervals determined by their doctor after surgery.

Recovery After Meningioma Surgery

The recovery period after surgery is not the same for every patient. The size and location of the tumor, the extent of surgery, and the patient’s neurological condition before surgery may affect the recovery process.

Patients are monitored in the hospital for a certain period after surgery. Neurological examinations are performed, and follow-up imaging may be carried out when necessary.

Some patients may return to their daily lives within a short period, while others may require physical therapy and rehabilitation. Rehabilitation may become particularly important for people who had loss of strength, balance problems, or limited mobility before surgery.

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı states that postoperative follow-up is a continuation of surgical treatment and that regular check-ups should not be neglected.

Can Meningioma Be Life-Threatening?

A significant proportion of meningiomas grow slowly and can be managed with appropriate monitoring or treatment. However, the seriousness of the condition may vary if the tumor is located in a critical area of the brain, places pressure on important nerve or vascular structures, or has more aggressive biological characteristics.

Therefore, the course of the disease should not be assessed solely based on the size of the tumor.

As also emphasized by Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı, early and accurate evaluation of meningiomas is important for determining the most appropriate monitoring or treatment approach for each patient.