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Symptoms of a Meningioma Tumor

Meningioma refers to a tumor which develops in the membranes surrounding the spinal cord and brain. Meningiomas can develop in any of the three layers of meninges: the arachnoid, the pia mater and the dura mater. Most meningiomas are not cancerous tumors; however, calling them benign is a misnomer because even benign tumors can be life threatening if they encroach upon the brain.

  1. Types of Meningiomas

    • Meningiomas may occur in one site, or in multiple sites. Some are slow growing (as most benign meningiomas are), while others grow quickly. Generally, meningiomas are only symptomatic when they grow large, but depending on their specific location in the brain or spine, some may be more symptomatic than others.

    Common Symptoms

    • The most common symptoms of meningiomas, experienced by the majority of patients, include seizures, headaches and vision loss. Some patients may also experience memory problems or impulse control problems. Some patients have difficulty balancing. Some patients also experience focal neurological defects.

    Focal Neurological Defects

    • Focal neurological defects include weakness in the limbs, especially the arms and the legs. Vision loss is also considered a focal neurological defect. These symptoms are common, especially with certain types of tumors in the brain. Often, these focal neurological defects are one of the earliest symptoms, but begin more mildly and progressively worsen as the tumor grows.

    Symptoms By Type Of Tumor

    • Different types of meningioma tumors cause different specific symptoms, based on their location. Some tumors, called olfactory groove meningiomas, grow on the nerves that connect the nose to the brain and interfere with the sense of smell.

      Sphenoid meningiomas grow in the nerves behind the eye and cause visual problems. These tumors can also cause problems with the face, including loss of sensation and numbness. Petrovlival meningiomas grow near the trigeminal nerve, and also cause sharp pain in the face or spasms of muscles in the face. Intraorbital meningiomas can cause bulging of the eyes.

      Posterior fossa meningiomas grow under the brain and can cause loss of hearing.

    Diagnosis

    • Doctors diagnose meningioma's based on a report of symptoms, along with CAT scans and MRI tests. CAT scans can help determine the extent of the size of the tumor, and can determine whether the tumor is hardening and likely to cause additional problems or symptoms.

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