What is a Meningioma Tumor?

The protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord are called meninges. A meningioma is a tumor that grows from the meninges. They are normally non-cancerous and slow-growing. Because of the fact that they grow at such a slow pace immediate attention isn't always necessary.

Definition

• A meningioma tumor is a tumor that has grown from the protective meninges that surround the brain and spinal cord. The protective membranes actually consist of three layers: the dura mater (outer layer), arachnoid mater (middle layer) and the pida mater (inner layer). A meningioma actually grows from the cells that form the middle layer but attach to the dura mater.

Identification

• Meningioma tumors vary in symptoms and cannot be treated properly until their location is determined. Some of these tumors have cysts or mineral deposits that have been calcified, while other tumors might have hundreds of little blood vessels. Meningioma tumors typically grow to the inside therefore they can apply pressure on the spinal cord or brain.

Symptoms

• The symptoms of a meningioma tumor will vary depending on the size and location of the tumor. Normally a meningioma tumor causes seizures and/or headaches because of the pressure the tumor puts on the brain and/or spinal cord. Weakness in legs or arms and sudden a loss of sensation is also common. Loss of sensation normally happens with a meningioma tumor of the spinal cord.

Who They Affect

• Meningiomas do not affect everyone. They can occur in children but typically happen to adults of both genders between 40 and 60 years of age. Less than 10 percent of these meningioma tumors are cancerous. Women experience the non-cancerous meningiomas more often than men.

Treatment

• Treating a meningioma tumor varies based on many different factors, including the size of the tumor, where it is located, the patient's age and the patient's general health. Treatments for meningioma tumors carry risks and side effects, as with any cancer treatment.