Meningioma of the Brain

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What is Meningioma of the Brain?

Meningioma of the Brain is a cancer of the meninges.

The meninges are protective membranes which cover the brain. They are in 2 layers; 1 layer is applied closely to the brain and the other layer applied to the skull. The space between the 2 membranes is filled with cerebro-spinal fluid.

Who gets Meningioma of the Brain?

Meningiomas are relatively uncommon. More than 90% of meningiomas arise within the cranial fossa and occurs with highest incidence in patients aged 40 to 70 years with sex incidence being 3:1 female to males, except when the tumour occurs in children where the sex incidence is approximately equal. Meningiomas tend to increase in size during pregnancy.

Geographically, the tumour is found worldwide.

Predisposing Factors

The only proven risk factor in the development of meningioma is exposure to ionising radiation - with tumours commonly developing following a 10 to 20 year lag time from exposure. Patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 (genetic defect on chromosome 22) are at an increased risk of developing meningioma..

Progression

This type of tumour spreads by local invasion and erosion of surrounding bony structures through pressure effects. Meningiomas are very rarely malignant but occasionally tumours may show a tendency to recur.

The much rarer aggressive form of meningioma can invade adjacent bone structures and very rarely the brain.

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