Meningioma
Meningioma is a non-cancerous tumor of the membrane covering the brain and spinal cord. there is three-layer covering beneath the skull on the brain and spinal cord when a tumor grows in these layers, it is called meningioma. it is benign in most cases and shows signs and symptoms according to its size. the sign and symptoms can be headaches, change in vision, dizziness, hearing loss, and seizures. the main risk factors are female hormones, radiation therapy, and genetic in some cases. if the tumor is small in size and slow-growing, it might not need any intervention.
for the treatment of meningioma, we have many approaches based on the size and location of the tumor, a wait-and-watch approach is needed when the tumor is small in size and slow-growing. if the tumor is big and causing a lot of discomforts then a surgery, either craniotomy or microsurgery is done to remove the tumor and cancer cells. post-surgery if some part of the cancer is left then we have to give radiation therapy by either SRS (stereotactic radiosurgery) or by Fractional radiosurgery. chemotherapy is rarely used in such cases, however, if the tumor is not responding for any another treatment then we might have to introduce chemotherapy.
the right doctor for the treatment of meningioma is a neurologist, head and neck surgeon, neurosurgeon, a spine surgeon, and radiation oncologist.
Meningioma is often difficult to diagnose as faint symptoms and small size goes unnoticed. however, tests required for the diagnosis of meningioma are CT scans and MRI (Magnetic resonance Imagining). in some cases a biopsy may also be required.
A ten-year survival rate for meningioma is around 60%, it largely depends upon the age of the patient and the nature of the cancer. in malignant cases, the survival rate dips to 50%.
