Meningioma

Meningioma is a tumor that arises from the meninges, the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It is the most common primary intracranial tumor in adults. Meningiomas originate from arachnoid cap cells of the meninges and are classified by the World Health Organization into three grades: Grade I (benign, comprising approximately 80% of cases), Grade II (atypical), and Grade III (anaplastic/malignant). While most meningiomas are slow-growing and benign, they can cause significant symptoms depending on their size and location by compressing adjacent brain or spinal cord tissue. Key symptoms vary based on tumor location and may include headaches, seizures, visual disturbances (particularly with tumors near the optic nerve), weakness or numbness in the limbs, speech difficulties, hearing loss, and cognitive or personality changes. Spinal meningiomas may cause back pain, limb weakness, or bowel and bladder dysfunction. Many meningiomas are discovered incidentally on brain imaging performed for other reasons and may remain asymptomatic for years. The primary treatment for symptomatic meningiomas is surgical resection, which can be curative when complete removal is achieved. For tumors that are not amenable to surgery or that recur, radiation therapy — including stereotactic radiosurgery — is an important treatment option. Observation with serial imaging (watchful waiting) is appropriate for small, asymptomatic tumors, particularly in elderly patients. Risk factors for meningioma include prior cranial irradiation, female sex (meningiomas are approximately twice as common in women, possibly related to hormonal influences), and neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), which is associated with multiple meningiomas. Mutations in the NF2 gene, as well as other genes such as TRAF7, KLF4, AKT1, and SMO, have been identified in sporadic meningiomas. Prognosis is generally favorable for Grade I tumors, with recurrence rates increasing significantly for higher-grade lesions.

Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.

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