Meningioma (patient information)
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What is meningioma?
Meningiomas are the most common benign tumors of the brain (95% of benign tumors), rare meningioma can be malignant. It arises from the meninges which surround the brain and spinal cord. A small meningioma causes no significant signs. With the development of the lump, frequent symptoms include changes in vision, for example seeing double or blurriness, headaches, hearing loss memory loss, etc. A meningioma doesn't always require immediate treatment. Treatments include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
How do I know if I have meningioma and what are the symptoms of meningioma?
Early meningioma does not have any symptoms. As the lump grows larger, people may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
- Changes in vision, such as seeing double or blurriness
- Headaches that worsen with time
- Hearing loss
- Memory loss
- Seizures
- Weakness in the arms or legs
Other health problems may also cause these symptoms. Only a doctor can tell for sure. A person with any of these symptoms should tell the doctor so that the problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.
Who is at risk for meningioma?
Clinical data has suggested that the development of meningioma is related to several factors.
- Radiation treatment: Clinical data suggests that head radiation therapy increase the risk of developing meningioma.
- An inherited nervous system disorder: Studies show the rare disorder neurofibromatosis type 2 increases the risk of meningioma and other brain tumors.
- Female hormones: As a tumor common in women than men, doctors believe that female hormones may play an important role in developing meningioma.
How to know you have meningioma?
- Computed tomography (CT) scan: CT scans are often used to diagnose meningioma. It can confirm the location of the tumor and show other brain tissues. These are helpful for determining the stage of the cancer and in determining whether surgery is a good treatment option.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI uses magnetic fields but it is a different type of image than what is produced by computed tomography (CT) and produces detailed images of the body. Like computed tomography (CT), a contrast agent may be injected into a patient’s vein to create a better picture. It is a very valuable test for meningioma.
When to seek urgent medical care?
Treatment options
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for meningioma?
Directions to Hospitals Treating meningioma
Prevention of meningioma
What to expect (Outook/Prognosis)?
Copyleft Sources
http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/meningioma/DS00901/DSECTION=all&METHOD=print