Meningioma

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What is a meningioma? Who do you refer to for meningioma?

A meningioma is a type of tumor that originates from the layers of tissue covering the brain and spinal cord, also known as the dura. Meningiomas are usually slow-growing tumors and often benign or non-cancerous. Most meningiomas do not require any surgery. However, they can vary in size and location and in some cases they may require surgery if they are large, causing  symptoms or putting too much pressure on the brain or adjacent nerves.

Meningiomas originate from the arachnoid cells of the meninges, which are one of the three layers of protective tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Meningiomas are the most common primary brain tumors in adults, although they can occur at any age. However, these types of tumors are more commonly diagnosed in those over the age of 40.

How are Meningiomas Classified? How many people are diagnosed with meningioma each year?

Meningiomas are classified based on their appearance and characteristics under a microscope. There are three grades of meningiomas: 

• Grade I: The majority of these meningiomas are benign and have a slow growth rate.
• Grade II: These tumors have a higher chance of recurrence and more aggressive features.
• Grade III: These are the least common and most aggressive type of meningioma.

Meningiomas are the most common type of brain tumor in the U.S. Approximately 97 out of every 100,000 people are diagnosed with meningioma, meaning more than 170,000 people are diagnosed with meningioma each year. 

What are the symptoms of a meningioma?

A meningioma may be asymptomatic and discovered incidentally during imaging for other reasons; they can also vary widely in terms of size, location, and rate of growth. Symptoms of a meningioma will vary based on the tumor’s size, location in the brain or spinal cord, and whether or not it’s causing pressure on nearby structures. 

Some of the most common symptoms of meningiomas include headaches, seizures, changes in vision, changes in personality or behavior, weakness or numbness and issues with coordination. Meningiomas that exist in specific locations may also affect the cerebellum or other areas responsible for coordination, leading to problems with balance and walking. Memory impairment and dizziness/vertigo can also be a symptom of a meningioma.

How do you get diagnosed with meningioma? What is the gold standard for diagnosing meningiomas? 

Meningiomas are usually diagnosed using imaging studies such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT (computed tomography) scans. A biopsy may also be performed in certain cases to confirm the diagnosis and determine what grade the tumor is.

To diagnose a meningioma, clinicians will defer to a combination of medical history review, a physical examination, and various imaging studies. Since these tumors can vary in presentation, it’s important to keep an eye on any neurological symptoms the patient could be experiencing, including headaches, seizures, changes in vision or cognitive changes.

When it comes to imaging, an MRI is the leading modality used to see meningiomas since it provides detailed images of the brain and its structures, allowing doctors to see the tumor, its size and its location. Contrast dye is often used during the MRI to enhance the visibility of the tumor.

Doctors may also use CT scans to see the brain and detect meningiomas. Although CT scans aren’t as detailed as MRIs, CT scans can provide valuable information about the location and characteristics of the tumor. Lastly, in some cases a biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis of a meningioma. This involves obtaining a sample of the tumor tissue for microscopic examination. However, meningiomas are often diagnosed based on imaging studies without the need for a biopsy.

What are treatment options for meningiomas?

Treatment options for meningiomas depend on factors such as tumor size, location, and grade. In many cases, especially with a benign and small meningioma, observation with regular imaging is  recommended. Surgical removal of the meningioma is sometimes necessary, with the goal of removing as much of the tumor as possible while preserving neurological function. Surgery is usually recommended when the tumor is large, causing pressure on the adjacent brain or cranial nerves, or if it is growing significantly over time. Radiation therapy may be considered in cases where complete surgical removal is not feasible or for tumors with higher grades.

Have you or someone you know been diagnosed with a meningioma? 

If you have been diagnosed with a meningioma the physicians of New Jersey Brain and Spine are able to help. Contact us today for an appointment or second opinion. For more than 25 years, our physicians have compassionately cared for more than 40,000 patients with complex conditions.

Article updated March 20, 2025.