Meningioma is the most common type of primary brain tumor, diagnosed in more than 39,000 Americans annually. If you’ve recently received a meningioma diagnosis, it’s important to understand what it means and which treatments are available to support your quality of life.
Board-certified neurosurgeon and brain tumor specialist Christopher Duma, MD, FACS, provides customized care plans for people with meningiomas and other brain tumors. Dr. Duma offers a range of treatments based on the grade of the meningioma, its size, and location.
Below, we outline some important insights about meningiomas and what a diagnosis means for you.
A meningioma is a slow-growing brain tumor that develops in the meninges, the protective membranes that cover the spinal cord and brain.
Meningiomas are often benign (noncancerous) but, depending on their location and size, can cause symptoms that affect your health and quality of life. For instance, a tumor that grows large enough to press on areas of the brain or spinal cord can lead to:
The root cause of meningiomas isn’t well understood, but your genetic history can be a risk factor. People with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), a rare genetic disorder, can also influence the growth of benign meningiomas on the spinal nerves and brain.
Most meningiomas won’t spread to other parts of the body. However, this type of tumor can grow for years without causing symptoms and may result in rather large meningiomas that affect memory, gait, vision, hearing, and sense of smell.
Some large tumors can also block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. This can lead to hydrocephalus, a buildup of fluid that increases pressure in the brain and can ultimately damage brain tissues.
In some cases, the initial path of treatment for small meningiomas may involve a wait-and-see approach. Dr. Duma monitors the tumor during routine checkups to see if it causes symptoms before recommending surgery to remove it.
Meningiomas that grow rapidly or cause new or worsening symptoms are reasons why Dr. Duma may recommend surgery.
He offers GammaKnife® stereotactic radiosurgery, a noninvasive procedure that uses focused beams of radiation to destroy tumors in delicate parts of the brain. This treatment is highly effective at targeting meningiomas without damaging surrounding brain tissue.
Success rates for GammaKnife and other surgical treatments for meningiomas vary based on the tumor size, location, and grade. Your age and overall health are also factors in the effectiveness of treatment.
Dr. Duma has extensive experience using the latest innovations in brain tumor treatments to achieve the best possible outcome. Many people continue living with a good quality of life and minimal symptoms. Dr. Duma continues to monitor your progress after treatment to identify recurrence as early as possible.
Call the office of Christopher Duma, MD, FACS, in Newport Beach, California, today to learn more about the available treatments for meningiomas. You can also book a consultation online.
