Meningiomas

Meningiomas are tumors which originate from the linings that cover the brain, called meninges. These tumors are generally non-cancerous and slow growing. They normally don’t invade the adjacent brain, but rather push it aside. Occasionally, meningiomas can be biologically more aggressive (atypical meningiomas) or, in rare cases, malignant (malignant meningiomas).

Types
In general, meningiomas are defined according to their location in the cranial cavity.

Convexity Meningiomas - are higher in the cranial vault and generally more accessible by surgical means

Skull Base Meningiomas - are more challenging because of their frequent tight relationship with the blood vessels and the nerves of the base of the skull

Symptoms
Size and location of these tumors varies, causing differing symptoms as well. Common symptoms include headaches, seizures, visual problems, numbness or weakness. Meningiomas can be found during tests requested for other reasons, such as trauma or a sinus infection.

Treatment
If the tumor is symptomatic, they can be effectively treated by surgery with a very high rate of definitive cure. If their location prevents a safe surgical removal, other options may include close observation or focused radiation (Gamma Knife).

Our multidisciplinary team at Hopkins individually evaluates each case of meningioma selecting the most comprehensive treatment plan for the patient’s individual needs. When surgery is indicated, our team of highly skilled and experienced surgeons, nurses and intensive care doctors can provide the best surgical outcome even in highly complex cases. Our state-of-the-art equipment in the operating rooms allows us to perform highly precise and imaging assisted procedure with continuous monitoring of our patients’ neurological function.

If surgery cannot achieve a definitive treatment, or in cases where surgery is too risky to be performed, a team of radiation oncologists, neurologists, neurooncologists and neurosurgeons continues to work regularly with our patients to provide alternative forms of treatment or a rigorous and vigilant observation plan.

The Brain Tumor Center at Johns Hopkins is one of the busiest not only in North America, but in the world for these kinds of tumors. Over the years, our team has acquired unmatched experience in treating this disease.