Meningioma

 A meningioma is a tumour of the meninges, which are the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord. A meningioma can start in any part of the brain or spinal cord, but the most common sites are the cerebral hemispheres of the brain, made up of the four lobes.

Common Causes of Meningioma :
    * The exact cause of meningiomas is unknown.
    * Radiation exposure, especially to the face, can increase the risk of developing
       meningiomas
    * History of breast cancer or sarcoma, as part of the Li-Fraumeni Syndrome
    * Certain hormones may increase the growth of meningiomas
    * Having received radiation to the face as a child (for acne , warts, or fungal
       infections)
    * A diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type 2.

Some common Symptoms of Meningioma :
    * Memory loss
    * Seizures
    * Headaches
    * Hearing loss
    * Vomiting
    * Epilepsy
    * Changes in behavior
    * Slurred speech (if tumor is on the left side of the brain).
    * Visual problem.


Treatment of Meningioma
    * Radiation therapy include Gamma Knife TM or proton beam treatment may be
pursued in cases of inoperable or unresectable tumors, or if tumor shows malignant
transformation. Focused radiation may also be helpful for small tumors at the base of the skull.  

* Conventional chemotherapy is likely not effective. Antiprogestin agents have been
used but with variable results. Recent evidence that hydroxyurea has the capacity to
shrink unresectable or recurrent meningiomas is being further evaluated.   

* Skull base neurosurgery   

* Interventional MRI    

* Partial removal. Sometimes, only part of the tumor will be removed because of its
location near sensitive areas of the brain. This partial removal can still relieve symptoms, and further surgery may not be needed because of the availability of other effective treatments. Radiation therapy may be used on the remaining tumor cells.   

* Growth monitoring. Because of the slow growth of meningiomas, elderly patients
with this tumor may be monitored instead of undergoing surgical removal of the tumor.
The physician will monitor the growth of the tumor with frequent MRI scans.