Méningiome

A meningioma is a usually slow‑growing tumor that arises from the thin layers of tissue covering the brain and spinal cord, not from the brain itself. Many are non‑cancerous and may never cause trouble, but some grow large or faster and press on the brain, leading to symptoms.​

1) What is this condition?

  • It is a growth that starts in the brain’s protective covering (the meninges) and forms a lump next to the brain or spinal cord.​

  • It is the most common primary brain tumor in adults and often discovered by chance on a scan.​

  • Symptoms, when they occur, come from pressure on nearby brain or nerves: headaches, seizures, vision or hearing changes, weakness, or personality changes.​

2) How serious is it?

  • Most meningiomas are benign (grade 1), grow slowly, and can often be managed safely or cured with treatment.​

  • A smaller group are “atypical” or “malignant” (grades 2–3) and can grow faster, come back after treatment, and behave more like cancer.​

  • Even benign tumors can be serious if they are large or sit near critical areas that control movement, speech, or vision.​

3) Non‑surgical treatments

  • “Watchful waiting”: regular MRI or CT scans and check‑ups if the tumor is small, slow‑growing, and not causing symptoms.​

  • Radiation treatments (standard radiation or focused radiosurgery like Gamma Knife) to slow or stop growth, especially if surgery is risky or tumor remains after surgery.​

  • Medicines to manage symptoms: seizure drugs, pain relievers for headaches, steroids for temporary swelling, and therapies for vision, balance, or thinking changes.​

4) Types of surgery that may be needed

  • Open brain surgery (craniotomy) to remove as much of the tumor and its base of attachment as safely possible.​

  • “Keyhole” or minimally invasive approaches, sometimes combined with endoscopes, for selected tumors in reachable locations.​

  • In complex or high‑grade tumors, surgery may be followed by planned radiation rather than aiming for overly aggressive removal near very delicate structures.​

5) Goals of surgery vs non‑surgical care

  • Non‑surgical goals:

    • Safely monitor small or symptom‑free tumors and avoid unnecessary risk.​

    • Control growth or regrowth when surgery cannot remove the tumor fully or is too dangerous.​

  • Surgery goals:

    • Remove the tumor (and, if possible, its base) to relieve pressure and reduce the chance it will come back.​

    • Improve or protect brain and nerve function (vision, strength, seizures) and obtain tissue for exact grading.​

6) How surgery can “fix” the problem

  • By cutting out the tumor, surgery frees up space and reduces pressure on nearby brain or nerves, which can improve headaches, seizures, or weakness.​

  • Removing the point where the tumor attaches to the covering (when safe) lowers the chance of it growing back.​

  • The removed tissue is examined to confirm the tumor type and grade, which guides whether more treatment (like radiation) is needed.​

7) Risks of surgery (general and specific)

  • General risks: bleeding, infection, blood clots, and anesthesia‑related problems.​

  • Brain‑specific and meningioma‑specific risks:

    • New or worse problems with movement, speech, vision, hearing, or personality if nearby brain or nerves are affected.​

    • Leakage of brain fluid, wound problems, or need for a drain or shunt.​

    • Incomplete removal if the tumor is wrapped around vital blood vessels or nerves, leaving a higher chance of regrowth.​

8) Chances this surgery will work

  • For benign (grade 1) tumors that can be fully removed, many people are effectively “cured” with very low regrowth rates.​

  • When only part is removed, adding radiation often gives excellent long‑term control.​

  • Higher‑grade tumors are harder to control; complete removal and added radiation improve outcomes but regrowth is more common.​

9) Possible complications from the surgery

  • Short‑term: confusion, tiredness, headaches, worsening of existing symptoms, infection, or bleeding near the surgery site.​

  • Long‑term: persistent weakness, seizures, changes in vision or hearing, or cognitive and emotional changes that may need ongoing therapy.​

  • Tumor regrowth months or years later, especially with partial removal or higher‑grade tumors, possibly requiring repeat surgery or radiation.​

10) Typical recovery from the condition

  • Many people with small, stable meningiomas live normal lives with only periodic scans and no major symptoms.​

  • When symptoms are present, treatment often improves headaches, seizures, and function, but some may have lasting changes depending on tumor size and location.​

  • Fatigue, concentration issues, and emotional stress are common and may need support and rehab.​

11) Typical recovery after surgery

  • Hospital recovery is followed by several weeks at home; many sources note about 8–12 weeks for early healing and gradual return to activities.​

  • Over the first 3 months, focus is on wound healing, easing fatigue, and increasing activity; some people need physical, occupational, or speech therapy.​

  • Long‑term (beyond 3 months), most patients with benign tumors can return to usual routines, though some may have subtle lasting changes or need job or lifestyle adjustments.​

12) How long in the hospital

  • Typical stays after meningioma surgery are about 3–7 days if there are no complications.​

  • Longer stays or rehab facility time may be needed for older patients, large tumors, or if new neurological problems appear.​

13) Long‑term outlook

  • For grade 1 meningiomas, 5‑year and 10‑year survival rates are around or above 90% in many series.​

  • For grade 2 (atypical) and grade 3 (malignant) tumors, survival is lower, but complete surgery plus radiation improves control and survival.​

  • Overall, most people with benign meningiomas can expect a long life, especially if the tumor is fully removed or well‑controlled.​

14) Need for outpatient follow‑up

  • Regular follow‑up visits (often every 6–12 months at first) with neurological exams and brain scans are essential to watch for regrowth or new symptoms.​

  • Long‑term follow‑up continues for years, especially for higher‑grade tumors or if some tumor was left behind.​

  • Ongoing medications (for seizures or headaches) and rehabilitation or counseling may be needed depending on symptoms and recovery.