Are meningiomas dangerous?

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Bui Ngoc Phuong Hoa - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Da Nang International General Hospital.

Meningiomas are tumors that grow at a slow rate in the membranes covering the brain, nerve roots, and spinal cord. Most meningiomas are benign, slow-growing tumors that do not metastasize. Approximately 80% of patients with complete tumor resection will have a good chance of recovery.

Meningiomas arise from capsular cells in the arachnoid membrane, which is the thin, spider-like membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord parenchyma. The arachnoid is one of three layers of meninges that surround the brain and spinal cord. The meningeal layer includes the arachnoid membrane, the soft membrane, and the dura mater. The majority of meningiomas are benign tumors, however, when detected, their size is already very large, meningioma in a few special locations can be life-threatening.
Usually the patient has only one tumor, however, in some cases the patient may have multiple brain tumors that grow rapidly in multiple regions of the brain or spinal cord.

Meningiomas are usually slow growing, with noticeable symptoms occurring when they are quite large. Some meningiomas do not have any symptoms until a CT scan of the brain is performed because of an unrelated symptom. The symptoms of meningioma present depend on the size and location of the tumor.
Patients with small meningiomas will usually have no symptoms. But when it becomes severe, meningioma will appear some of the following symptoms:
Headache. Having vision problems: vision loss,... and hearing problems such as tinnitus, deafness. Decreased sense of smell. Nausea or vomiting. Epileptic. Personality and behavior change. Muscle weakness. Memory decline. Focal neurological signs. Difficulty sleeping or insomnia.

The cells that cover the meninges, spinal cord, or spinal nerve roots grow out of control and cause a meningioma. Over time, this overgrowth forms a tumor.

Meningiomas most commonly occur between the ages of 30 and 70. Children are less likely than adults, and women are twice as likely to have them as men. However, in men, the rate of melanoma occurs three times more than in women.
Exposure to ionizing radiation, especially at high doses, is associated with the occurrence of meningiomas.
Hereditary multiple neurofibromatosis type 2 increases the risk of developing meningiomas.
Some risk factors for meningiomas include:
Occurs more in women. Detection of increased hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and androgen in some types of meningiomas. There is an association between breast cancer and meningioma The relationship between pregnancy, menstrual cycle and the development of meningiomas.

Meningiomas are mostly benign tumors, but they are often discovered when they are large. For some meningiomas, they are in a specific location that can cause severe and life-threatening neurological deficits. Meningiomas are tumors that develop from the dura mater or arachnoid, this tumor grows slowly, does not infiltrate and push adjacent tissues. Meningiomas account for about 34% of primary brain tumors and most commonly occur between the ages of 30 and 70. Malignant meningioma accounts for about 2-3%. Although meningiomas grow slowly and are non-invasive, when the tumor is large, it can press on the brain parenchyma, causing weakness of the contralateral hemiparesis or visual disturbances if located in the optic sulcus, perceptual disturbances.. Meningiomas are the most common tumors in the brain parenchyma and the current treatment measures have also achieved certain effects. However, in each specific case, it is necessary to discuss with your doctor to have the most appropriate treatment option, both to completely solve the meningioma, and to ensure quality of life.
Vinmec International General Hospital currently has the professional conditions and technical means to treat meningiomas. Vinmec gathers a team of highly qualified and experienced neurologists; modern medical equipment, up to international standards; professional service quality, helping to improve the efficiency of disease diagnosis and treatment.
Master. Doctor Bui Ngoc Phuong Hoa has more than 24 years of experience in the field of neuropsychology. Doctor Hoa was formerly Deputy Head of the Department of Neurology - Quang Ngai Provincial General Hospital and participated in many continuous training courses on Epilepsy, Cerebrovascular Accident, Alzheimer's, Movement Disorders, Gerontology. Endocrine Disease.