Meningiomas

What Is a Mengioma?

Meningiomas are tumors of the meninges (covering of the brain and spinal cord). The tumors usually are slow-growing and benign, but a small percentage of meningiomas become malignant.

Meningiomas are a primary brain tumor, meaning they do not usually metastasize (or spread) from another area, but originate in or on the brain.

Causes and Symptoms of Meningiomas

The cause of primary meningiomas is, as yet, unclear, but risk factors seem to include:

• Previous cancer
• Irregular chromosome
• Past head radiation

As with many types of tumors found in this area of the body, intense headaches are the most common symptom. Other symptoms include:

• Weakness, numbness or paralysis in legs or arms (usually on one side)
• Vision difficulties
• Nausea and vomiting
• Personality changes

How Is a Meningioma Diagnosed?

Sophisticated brain scanning technologies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used to diagnose meningioma.

Most meningiomas are grade 1, slow-growing and benign. Unlike some cancer cells that infiltrate the brain, a grade 1 meningioma remains separate, but can still expand, exerting pressure on the brain.

Grade 2 meningiomas are faster growing and tend to grow into the brain tissue, making them more difficult to treat.

Grade 3 meningiomas are the most aggressive form, and also have a higher recurrence rate.

State-of-the-Art Treatments for Meningiomas at NSPC

NSPC Brain & Spine Surgery (NSPC) (NSPC) is a leading private practice in the Northeast with a multi-disciplinary team of highly-skilled, board-certified physicians:

• Neurosurgeons
• Neuropsychologists,
• Endovascular neuroradiologists and
• Surgical neuro-oncologists.

Our Long Island Brain Tumor Center provides the most up-to-date cancer treatments, including clinical trials and experimental treatments—so you have the most advanced care available.

Types of Treatment for Meningioma

Craniotomy for Meningioma

Meningiomas that have not spread into the brain can often be successfully removed from the dura (a covering of the brain). Your neurosurgeon will remove a small portion of your skull, to access the dura. If possible, all the meningioma will be extracted.

If your doctor has concerns about whether all your tumor was extracted during the craniotomy, radiation may be the next course of treatment. Advanced stereotactic radiosurgery uses highly precise radiation beams to target tumor cells and prevent them from growing.

The Stereotactic Radiosurgery Center uses extremely focused radiation beams to treat tumors.

To arrange a consultation at one of our centers in the Long Island or New York areas, get in touch using the button below. We’re here to help and have an outstanding degree of expertise in this and related conditions.

Related NSPC Center

Long Island Brain and Spine Tumor Center

NSPC provides state-of-the-art treatment of benign and malignant brain and spine tumors, using minimally invasive procedures like Gamma Knife®, Novalis TX™, and CyberKnife® rather than major surgery whenever appropriate. Our physicians also perform experienced pediatric neurosurgery — they give personalized, individual attention combined with knowledge and experience to take on the most challenging of cases.