Meningioma is a brain tumor that develops in the meninges.

The meningioma is a tumor, developing in the membrane covering the brain: the meninges.

The vast majority of meningiomas are benign tumors, which develop as a nodule. More occasionally, this tumor form can invade the cranium or compress the blood vessels of the brain and the cerebral nerves. It is then a malignant meningioma (malignant tumor).

The exact cause of the development of a meningioma is still unknown.

However, alterations in the cells of the meninges can be the cause. These abnormalities can in particular lead to an abnormal multiplication of these cells, initiating the tumor.

Research is currently underway to determine whether alterations in certain genes may be at the origin of this tumor. Or if certain environmental factors, hormonal or others, can be initiators.

The general symptoms of meningioma are usually increasing in intensity and gradually.

These clinical signs also depend on the location of the tumor. They translate into:

• visual impairments: double vision or diplopie, trembling eyes, etc.
• headaches, more and more intense over time
• hearing loss
• memory loss
• loss of sense of smell
• convulsions
• a chronic fatigue and muscle weakness in the arms and legs

The risk factors associated with the development of a meningioma are:

• radiation treatment: radiotherapy
• certain female hormones
• damage to the brain system
• type II neurofibromatosis.

Treatment of meningioma depends on:

• the location of the tumor. In the context of relatively easy access to the tumor, the effectiveness of the treatment will be all the more important.
• the size of the tumor. If it is less than 3 cm in diameter, targeted surgery may be a possible alternative.
• the symptoms experienced. In the case of a small tumor, which does not generate any symptoms, the absence of treatment is possibly possible.
• the general state of health of the patient
• the severity level of the tumor. Radiotherapy may be of benefit following surgery in the setting of a level II or III meningioma. Chemotherapy is, however, rarely used.

In this sense, the appropriate treatment then varies from one patient to another. For some, recourse to treatment may be optional, while for others, it may be essential to combine it with a combination of treatments: surgery, radiosurgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy.