Meningiomas are found on the brain and spinal cord.
Meningiomas are tumors that grow in the meninges--the three layers of membranes protecting the brain and the spinal cord. Meningiomas have been classified into three grades by the World Health Organization.
Description
Grade 1 meningioma is the slowest growing and usually curable. The tumor can grow inward and press on areas of the brain or spinal cord.
Types
The nine types of Grade 1 meningiomas are: Meningiothelial, Transitional,
Fibrous, Psammomatous, Angiomatous, Microcystic, Secretory, Lymphoplasmacyte-rich and Metaplastic meningiomas. All Grade 1 tumors are considered benign.
Causes
Meningiomas indicate that cells in the meninges have been altered. One possible cause is excessive exposure to X-rays. Since females suffer more from meningioma than males, doctors believe there may be a hormonal link. A relationship between the tumors and head trauma is also being investigated.
Symptoms
Signs of meningioma include seizures, headaches, loss of vision or weakness in the extremities. Symptoms such as memory loss or unsteadiness often appear over time.
Treatment
MRIs are used to diagnose and monitor the tumors.
If the tumors are not causing symptoms, they can be monitored with CT scans, MRIs and examinations. The preferred treatment is surgical removal of the tumor. If surgery is not an alternative, tumors are treated with radiation.
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