Meningioma: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
One kind of tumor that arises from the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord is called a meningioma. While the majority of meningiomas are benign (noncancerous), some might be atypical (intermediate) or malignant (cancerous). Meningiomas vary in size, location, and pace of growth in the symptoms they produce. Meningioma therapy is based on the patient's age, health, and preferences in addition to the grade, nature, and extent of the tumor.
Causes
The exact cause of meningioma is unknown, but some factors that may increase the risk of developing it are:
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Exposure to radiation, especially to the head or neck, such as from X-rays, CT scans, or radiotherapy
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Genetic conditions, such as neurofibromatosis type 2, Gorlin syndrome, or Li-Fraumeni syndrome, that predispose to tumor formation
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Hormonal factors, such as estrogen or progesterone, that may stimulate the growth of meningioma cells
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Age, as meningiomas are more common in older adults, especially after 60 years
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Gender, as meningiomas are more common in women than in men, especially in the reproductive years
Symptoms
The symptoms of meningioma vary depending on the size and location of the tumor, and the pressure it exerts on the surrounding brain tissue or nerves. Some of the common symptoms are:
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Headache, which may be worse in the morning or after lying down
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Vision problems, such as blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision
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Hearing problems, such as hearing loss, ringing in the ears, or loss of balance
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Seizures, which are sudden episodes of abnormal electrical activity in the brain
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Personality changes, such as mood swings, irritability, or confusion
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Memory loss, which may affect short-term or long-term memory
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Weakness or numbness, which may affect one side of the body or a specific part, such as the face, arm, or leg
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Speech problems, such as difficulty finding words, slurred speech, or loss of speech
Diagnosis
The patient's medical history, symptoms, and family history of brain tumors or genetic disorders will all be considered by the doctor in order to make the diagnosis of meningioma. In addition, the physician will do a physical examination to look for any physical indications of elevated intracranial pressure, such as optic nerve enlargement, aberrant eye movements, or an enlarged head. In order to confirm the diagnosis and ascertain the grade, nature, and extent of the tumor, the doctor may additionally prescribe certain tests, including:
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which uses a powerful magnet and radio waves to create detailed images of the brain and spinal cord
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Computed tomography (CT) scan, which uses X-rays and a computer to create cross-sectional images of the brain and spinal cord
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Positron emission tomography (PET) scan, which uses a radioactive substance to measure the activity of the tumor cells
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Biopsy, which involves taking a small sample of the tumor tissue and examining it under a microscope to determine its grade and type
Treatment
Meningioma therapy is based on the patient's age, health, and preferences in addition to the grade, nature, and extent of the tumor. Removing or shrinking the tumor, relieving the symptoms, and preventing or delaying the recurrence are the three basic objectives of therapy. The available treatments might consist of:
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Depending on the size, location, and danger of harming normal brain tissue or nerves, surgery may include opening the skull and removing the tumor entirely or partially. In most cases, especially in cases of benign or atypical meningiomas, surgery is the initial and recommended course of action.
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High-energy rays or particles are used in radiation treatment to either kill or inhibit the development of malignant cells. Radiation treatment can be administered internally by putting radioactive wires or seeds close to the tumor, or externally by using a machine that targets the tumor with radiation beams. For meningiomas that cannot be safely or fully removed by surgery, such as those that are malignant or recurring, radiation treatment may be performed alone or in conjunction with surgery.
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Chemotherapy, which use medications to either eradicate or halt the development of tumor cells. The mode of administration of chemotherapy may include injection, infusion, or oral treatment, contingent on the tumor's nature and stage. Chemotherapy is typically saved for meningiomas that are malignant, recurrent, or that don't improve with radiation or surgery.
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Targeted treatment is the use of medications or other materials that specifically target molecules or pathways important to the development and survival of malignant cells. A more recent and focused method that has the potential to be both less harmful and more successful than traditional chemotherapy is called targeted treatment. Depending on the kind and subtype of the tumor, targeted therapy may be utilized either alone or in conjunction with other forms of medical intervention.
Prevention
There is no sure way to prevent meningioma, as it is a rare and complex disease that is not fully understood. However, some general measures that may reduce the risk of developing or worsening meningioma are:
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Avoiding exposure to radiation, especially to the head or neck, such as from X-rays, CT scans, or radiotherapy
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Getting regular check-ups and screenings, especially for people who have a family history of brain tumors or genetic conditions
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Eating a balanced and healthy diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and low in fat, sugar, and processed foods
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Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding obesity
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Exercising regularly and staying physically active
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Limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding binge drinking
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Avoiding tobacco use and quitting smoking
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Managing stress and practicing relaxation techniques
