Meningioma

What is meningioma?

A meningioma is a relatively uncommon childhood tumor that grows from the middle of the three membranes layers that cover the brain and spinal cord. They are usually benign (do not spread) a small percentage however may be malignant, but as they grow they can put pressure on the brain, spinal cord or skull.

What causes meningioma? 

Being a boy, having a diagnosis of Neurofibromatosis 2, or having had previous head irradiation for other reasons, seem to be associated with meningiomas in childhood.

What are the symptoms of meningioma?

Symptoms depend on where the tumor grows. Symptoms can include:

  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • headaches
  • confusion
  • personality changes
  • seizures
  • vision problems
  • arm or leg weakness.

What are meningioma care options?

Where possible, the best treatment method is to remove the whole tumor surgically. Sometimes, because of it its position some tumors cannot be totally removed. Radiation therapy may then be used to shrink the tumor or to kill cells left over from a partially removed one.


Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP

This page was last updated on: May 22, 2023 11:22 AM

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