Meningioma

Synonyms in a broader sense

Meningeal tumor, tumor of the Meninges, Brain tumor
English: meningioma

Definition meningioma

At Meningiomas is it benign Tumorsthat of the Meninges (med .: meninges) go out. The Meninges surround that brain and the Spinal cord like a kind of protective cover.

They grow displaced. Since they are bony limited in their growth on one side, they press on that Brain tissue. But you are no brain tumorsbecause they have their starting point at the meninges.

Characteristic of that Menigeome is that slow growth rate. Therefore, the symptoms of those affected develop only very gradually.

Summary

A meningioma is a tumor of the meninges, which is usually benign and occurs spontaneously. They grow very slowly over the years and are easily distinguishable from the brain tissue. In most cases, the tumor does not grow into the brain tissue, nor does it spread.
It represents the most common intracranial (located within the skull) tumors. The exact cause is still unknown. The complaints of those affected are wide-ranging and depend on the location of the tumor. The tumor can be im skull, but also in Spinal canal (spinal canal) occur. Symptoms range from changes in character to sensory loss of the skin to paraplegia.

Diagnosis is made with the help of the CT (Computed Tomography) or MRI of the head (Magnetic resonance tomography). Both are imaging processes in which the recordings are made in layers.

Treatment of symptomatic meningioma consists of surgical removal. In around 15% of patients, the tumor develops again after the operation. This is known medically as a relapse.

Occurrence in the population (epidemiology)

The meningioma is the most common intracranial (inside the skull) tumor. They make up about 25% of all tumor masses inside the skull. The incidence peak of the disease is between the ages of 40 and 70. Women are affected twice as often as men.

Every year about 6 out of 100,000 inhabitants fall ill.

root cause

It is about cell proliferation and uncontrolled growth in quantity and size of cells in the meninges. However, as with most tumors, the cause is unclear. Children who were irradiated for another tumor disease were found to have a higher risk of developing a meningioma.

However, most meningiomas occur spontaneously.

However, deletions of genetic material have also been found.

Symptoms / complaints

The complaintsThat the patient utters depend very much on where exactly the tumor lies. The symptoms usually begin with those that occur more and more frequently and that become increasingly severe a headache. Not infrequently also come epileptic seizures in front.

Are characteristic of the sick people Changes of character (mental changes)which usually result from questioning relatives.
These changes can manifest themselves in a wide variety of ways. Patients have difficulty enjoying something, become increasingly aggressive, and often react inappropriately (for example, laughing at bad news or at funerals). Loss of drive and apathy join in later. Those affected can no longer manage their household on their own, find it difficult or impossible to get out of bed in the morning and appear absent.

Other symptoms are Symptoms of paralysis especially of the legs, Odor disorders, visual disorders (falling Visual acuity, Visual field restriction) or Hearing loss. Sensation and mobility can also be restricted.

Is the tumor in the spinal canal, i.e. where it is? Spinal cord pulls through it, a spinal tightness develops, which is also medically called Spinal stenosis referred to as. As a result, it can even be too Paraplegia come.

You can find further information under our topic: Brain tumor signs.

diagnosis

The anamnese, so the questioning of the patient, but also the relatives, in order to determine the possible changes in personality.

Often a EEG (E.electricalE.nzaphalo-Gramm) carried out in order to use the Brain waves to recognize. A EEG is a harmless, non-invasive examination. Electrodes, similar to EKG electrodes, are attached (glued) to the patient's head and the brain waves are measured.

However, the method of choice to diagnose meningioma is this CT (computed tomography) of the head. This examination is also initially harmless for the patient. Only the X-rays that are applied can be harmful in too high a dose. If necessary that will CT (computed tomography) also with the gift of Contrast media carried out. This is given into a patient's vein.
A meningioma can be differentiated from other brain tumors, as the meningioma starts from the meninges and usually bulges into the brain tissue. Here not only the tumor is recognized, but also that for everyone Brain tumor typical edema (water retention).

Also a MRI of the head (Nuclear spin or magnetic resonance tomography), which delivers more precise images than CT (Computed Tomography), can be helpful in making a diagnosis. However, this examination is considerably more expensive and can only be carried out if there are no contraindications (Pacemaker, artificial heart valves) exist. The examination is dangerous for these persons due to the existing magnetic field.

therapy

The radical surgical removal of the tumor leads to the healing of the patient and is therefore the first choice. In the event of a relapse, the focus is on renewed surgery.

The indication for surgical removal of the tumor is usually given. Total removal of the tumor is desirable. No tumor cells should remain, as there is then a risk of recurrence.

If only a part of the tumor tissue could be removed, after the operation, certain types of meningioma are exposed to radiation (radiation) of the affected area in order to prevent further growth.

If the tumor is inoperable, then embolization (closure) of the vessels that supply the tumor can be considered.

Complications

Malignant degeneration of the menigeome can occur as complications, i.e. the tumor can develop from benign to malignant. If the mass has been in existence for a long time, it can also spread (metastasize) to other organs.

Injuries to other brain regions come into play as surgical complications.

Recurrences (renewed tumors) are also to be expected if the meningioma is insufficiently removed.

prophylaxis

A measure to prevent meningiomas is still not known. However, unnecessary or frequent radiation should generally be avoided.

forecast

The prognosis after surgical removal of the tumor is very good. Basically, however, the prognosis depends on the outcome of the operation: "Was it possible to remove the entire tumor?"
If the tumor is removed completely, the recurrence rate - the probability that the tumor will come back - is 15%. So in 15% of the cases the tumor comes back.

In general, the tumor has a rather good prognosis due to its slow growth. Long-term observation is often sufficient.