Meningioma Brain Tumors

Meningiomas grow slowly and cause indistinct symptoms, such as headaches or nausea. Other symptoms, like weakness or confusion, are sometimes overlooked as normal signs of aging.

The first step toward diagnosis is a neurological exam to check reflexes, strength, facial movement control, vision and level of awareness. Your specialist will also order imaging such as CT and MRI scans to determine the size and shape of the tumor.

Meningiomas often respond well to treatment and can be cured. As the most common brain tumor type, 90% of cases are benign. Following a diagnosis, your doctor carefully considers these factors and develops a treatment plan:

• Meningioma size and location
• Rate of the tumor’s growth and aggressiveness
• Current health and lifestyle
• Treatment goals

Your doctor then meets with you to discuss your customized treatment plan and answer any questions you may have.

Meningioma can be treated with a combination of surgery, radiation and/or medication:

• Brachytherapy – An internal radiation therapy in which small “seeds” holding radioactive material are implanted in the brain to deliver radiation for a set amount of time.
• Chemotherapy – Anti-tumor drugs sometimes administered prior to surgery to shrink a tumor.
• DNA and genomic analysis – After a tumor is removed, all known genes are examined to determine which genes are defective or altered.
• MRI-guided microneurosurgery – Neurosurgeons use tiny tools and ultrasonography to remove the tumor while limiting damage to healthy brain tissue.
• Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) – Delivers focused radiation only to the tumor to limit spread and shrink and prevent tumor growth.
• Stereotactic radiation therapy – The radiation dose may be lowered and delivered over several days or weeks, allowing healthy cells surrounding it to recover between treatments. 

The Houston Methodist brain tumor experts tailor your treatment plan to you and your health goals.