Meningioma: Treatment, Procedure, Cost And Side Effects

Meningioma refers to a tumor that arises from the meninges membrane. The Meninges membrane is known for surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It is regarded as the type of brain tumour that forms the most frequently. However, it is not described as a brain tumor.

summary- Meningioma is a type of tumor that may compress and squeeze adjacent parts of the brain.

Meningioma is distinguished under the following heads-

• Intraventricular meningioma- observed within the ventricles of the brain
• Foramen magnum meningioma- observed near foramen magnum
• Clivial meningiomas- grow primarily on the underside of the cerebrum
• Convexity meningioma- usually grows in front of the brain
• Spinal meningioma- tumors observed near the spinal cord
• Falcine and parasagittal meningioma- grows between two sides of the brain

summary- These above-stated categories are distinctly classified on the basis of the origin of tumors.

Symptoms of meningioma include-

• Headache
• Memory loss
• Vision problems
• Seizures
• Language difficulty
• Hearing loss
• Loss of smell

summary- These symptoms are often experienced by the patient and may be subtle in the initial phase.

The exact causative factor of meningioma is still under observation. The precise causes are still a mystery. There are certain presumptions, such as-

• Genetic factors
• Radiation exposure
• Hormones

summary- There is no evidence available regarding the exact causes of meningioma.

Meningioma possesses some risk factors, such as-

• Obesity
• Radiation treatment
• Inherited nervous system disorders
• Female hormones.

summary- These risk-factors influences the rate of meningioma disorder.

Doctors utilize precise diagnostic methods because it is difficult to rule out the slow-growing tumor. The diagnostic methods often applied to recognize meningioma symptoms are-

• MRI
• CT Scan

summary- A neurologist often chooses these methods to diagnose meningioma as its symptoms are often subtle.

Unfortunately, the accurate prevention of meningioma is not described yet. It can not be avoided primarily. All we could do is take a proper meningioma treatment if detected.

summary- Meningioma cannot be prevented by following any method.

One must consult a doctor if he/she experiences these situations-

• Sudden changes in memory
• Vision-related issues
• Sudden onset of seizures

summary- A proper clinical consultation is necessary if one addresses any of these situations.

Treatment of meningioma often depends on the basis of the origin and severity of symptoms. Doctors carefully observe the overall health of the patient. Some procedures like surgery, medications and radiation therapy are often utilized for treatment. Doctors also suggest wait and see approach in some cases.

Surgery involves the complete eradication of meningioma. It is often suggested in some cases like benign tumors, atypical or malignant tumors, or tumors that are not visible easily. However, surgery often accompanies some complications like bleeding and infections.

Therapies are applied when surgery does not work effectively. Radiation therapy is often involved in meningioma treatment. It targets the remaining meningioma cells and prevents their reoccurrence. Fractionated stereotactic therapy, proton beam radiation, stereotactic radiosurgery, intensity-modulated radiation therapy, etc. are some of the commonly used therapies.

summary- There are several treatment options including surgery, therapies, medications, etc. available out there.

The cost of meningioma treatment usually ranges from 1.5-8 lacks in different parts of India. It is high-priced due to the involvement of different diagnostic tests and treatment procedures.

summary- The treatment of meningioma is quite costly in India.

The recovery phase usually depends on the choice of treatment options. If the patient opts for a surgical procedure then it will take 2-4 weeks to resume a normal lifestyle. On the contrary, other options require almost 6-12 weeks to recover completely.

summary- Recovery period is variable for different patients and solely relies on the treatment procedures.

Meningioma is a tumor-related disorder. it results from an anomaly in the meninges membrane, which covers the brain and spinal cord. It results in several signs and symptoms including memory loss, headache, hearing loss, vision loss, etc. Treatment also constitutes procedures like, surgery, drugs, and therapy, wait and see approach. The overall outlook of meningioma treatment is positive.