Meningioma refers to the brain tumor that arises from the meninges that surround the brain.
Meningiomas are non-glial tumors, which means they do not originate in the supporting and nutritive tissue of the brain. Rather, they originate from cells of the meninges surrounding the brain. They are the second most common tumors of the central nervous system in adults, accounting for 15-20%. Each year, meningiomas develop in about 5-6 out of every 100,000 people.
The World Health Organization (WHO) distinguishes three tumor grades I-III. The majority (80-90%) of meningiomas are benign and are designated WHO grade I. WHO grade II describes an atypical meningioma that grows rapidly and may recur even after surgical removal. However, it is relatively rare, accounting for 5-10% of cases. The remaining 1-3% fall to the anaplastic meningioma with WHO grade III. It is malignant, meaning it grows extremely fast and infiltrates surrounding tissue and has a high risk of recurrence.
Depending on the localization of the meningioma in the cerebrum or cerebellum or at the spinal column, headaches, impairment of mental abilities (neurocognitive deficits), epileptic seizures, speech disorders, paralysis and/or sensory disturbances may occur. Very small tumors sometimes cause no symptoms at all and are only discovered by chance with imaging techniques.
As soon as a meningioma has been diagnosed, a decision must be made on how to proceed. Smaller tumors with a low growth tendency do not necessarily have to be treated surgically, especially in older patients - close observation is often sufficient here. In other cases, the removal of a tissue sample or surgical removal of the tumor is necessary.
The operation is performed using "high-tech procedures" with intraoperative neuronavigation and neuroendoscopy in combination with high-resolution surgical microscopes. In addition, imaging by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound and neurophysiological monitoring are available.
Meningiomas with WHO grade II-III receive, in addition to maximum-safety complete removal of the tumor, subsequent radiation therapy.
