“Meningioma is the most common benign intracranial tumor and arises from the sheaths covering the brain and spinal cord, constituting 20% of all tumor lesions in that region. Meningiomas can occur at various stages of life, but their highest incidence occurs in adults and older adults. Most of these tumors are single and benign; about 10% may be multiple and up to 3% malignant. The latter are vascularized tumors, with a capacity for recurrence, they can involve or displace, but can also infiltrate adjacent anatomical structures”, points out Dr. Hugo Heinicke, neurosurgeon of our clinic, who gives us more information about meningiomas.

What is a meningioma?

Meningioma is a primary tumor of the nervous system, usually growing internally and compressing the brain, nerves, and adjacent vessels.

What are the symptoms?

Meningiomas are characterized by their generally slow and silent growth, hence the absence of typical symptoms. The clinical manifestations will depend on the size and location. Less frequently, non-specific symptoms such as behavioral disturbances, memory failure, disinterest, disorientation, depression, miscalculations, inability to act or language problems may occur. More unusually, there may be motor and/or sensory involvement, compromised vision, cranial nerves, or seizures.

What are the causes?

The only well-established cause is its relationship to ionizing radiation. A role is attributed to cranial trauma and certain hormonal factors. A genetic predisposition linked to chromosome 22 is also recognized.

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosis is usually made as a result of imaging studies. At the time of diagnosis, meningiomas can be small or even bulky and can be found in any location.

What is the treatment?

• If the meningioma is small and does not produce symptoms, observation is recommended. If the tumors are larger than 2 cm or cause symptoms, surgery is the preferred treatment and the patient may be cured quickly.
• Radiotherapy and stereotactic radiosurgery are used for inaccessible tumors, totally removed tumors, or recurrent tumors, particularly if they are malignant.

Our specialist reminds us:

Although in many patients the surgical therapeutic decision can be difficult, our neurosurgery service has highly trained expert professionals and the medical technology required to provide the greatest safety and facilitate the restoration of health and quality of life of our patients.

Dr. Hugo Heinicke
Neurosurgeon at Clínica Ricardo Palma