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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., with roughly 35,000-42,000 people diagnosed 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.

Causes and Risk Factors of Meningiomas

While the exact cause of meningiomas remains unknown, researchers have identified several factors that may increase your risk of developing these tumors:

Age and Gender: Meningiomas are most common in adults between 40-70 years old, with women being affected three times as often as men due to hormonal influences, particularly estrogen. You are more likely to develop a meningioma tumor if you are over the age of 50, and they are most common in people who are in their seventies and eighties.

Radiation Exposure: Previous radiation therapy to the head, especially during childhood, increases risk. This includes patients who received radiation for other cancers or even dental X-rays performed decades ago with older equipment.

Genetic Factors: Certain genetic conditions, such as neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), significantly increase meningioma risk. There’s also a rare nervous system disorder called neurofibromatosis type 2, in which patients get benign tumors on nerves throughout the body, including meningioma. However, less than 10% of meningiomas are associated with inherited genetic syndromes.

Hormonal Influences: The role of hormones in meningioma development is supported by the observation that these tumors often grow faster during pregnancy or hormone replacement therapy.

At NJBS, our expert team takes a comprehensive approach to understanding each patient’s unique risk factors, which helps inform the most appropriate treatment strategy.

Types of Meningioma Tumors

Although every meningioma forms in the meninges, there are several subtypes based on the exact location of the tumor. Understanding your specific type helps our team at NJBS develop the most effective treatment approach.

Common meningioma types include:

• Convexity meningioma: Accounting for one in five of these tumors, develops on the surface of the brain directly under the skull
• Sphenoid wing meningioma: Another fairly common type that also accounts for one in five cases
• Falcine meningioma: Located along the falx cerebri
• Parasagittal meningioma: Found near the sagittal sinus
• Skull base meningioma: Located at the base of the skull, often requiring specialized surgical expertise
• Posterior fossa meningioma: Found in the back part of the skull
• Suprasellar meningioma: Located above the pituitary gland

Your symptoms may vary based on your subtype, and Dr. Kaptain’s expertise in skull-base surgery is particularly valuable for complex cases where tumors are located in difficult-to-reach areas.

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.

Recovery and Prognosis

The outlook for patients with meningiomas is generally excellent, especially when treated by experienced neurosurgeons. Recovery varies based on several factors:

Surgical Recovery Timeline:

• Hospital stay: 2-5 days for most patients
• Return to light activities: 2-4 weeks
• Full recovery: 6-12 weeks, depending on tumor location and complexity

Long-term Outcomes: Research indicates that over 95% of patients with completely removed Grade I meningiomas experience no recurrence. Studies have shown that as few as 5% of meningiomas recur within five years of initial treatments. Even when tumors recur, they typically do so slowly, allowing for effective retreatment.

Most patients return to their normal activities and quality of life. Dr. Kaptain and our team work closely with rehabilitation specialists when needed to optimize recovery and address any temporary neurological effects. More importantly, people diagnosed with meningioma have a high survival rate, and most meningiomas are treatable and manageable.

Patient Success Story: Sarah’s Journey

Sarah, a 52-year-old teacher from Princeton, New Jersey, came to NJBS after experiencing progressive headaches and vision changes. Dr. Kaptain’s team discovered a 3-centimeter meningioma pressing on her optic nerve.

“I was terrified when I heard ‘brain tumor,'” Sarah recalls. “But Dr. Kaptain explained everything so clearly and made me feel confident about the treatment plan.”

Using a minimally invasive approach, Dr. Kaptain successfully removed Sarah’s entire tumor. Within six weeks, her vision had returned to normal, and she was back in her classroom. Two years later, her MRI scans show no signs of recurrence.

“Dr. Kaptain and the NJBS team gave me my life back,” Sarah says. “I can’t imagine being anywhere else for this kind of specialized care.”

[Real testimonial, name has been changed for anonymity] 

Why Choose New Jersey Brain and Spine for Meningioma Treatment

NJBS offers several advantages for patients facing meningioma treatment:

Specialized Expertise: Dr. George J. Kaptain brings extensive experience in neuro-oncology and skull-base surgery, having performed over 1,000 brain tumor surgeries throughout his career. He is an Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine and serves as the Surgical Director of Neuro-Oncology, Skull-Base Surgery, and Radiosurgery at the John Theurer Cancer Center.

Renowned Team: Our meningioma team includes Castle Connolly Top Doctors Dr. George Kaptain, Dr. Kangmin Daniel Lee and Dr. Giorgio Rotoli, neurosurgeons who specialize in neuro-oncology and skull base surgery.

Advanced Technology: Our state-of-the-art surgical suites feature the latest in image-guided surgery, intraoperative MRI, and neurophysiological monitoring to ensure the safest, most effective treatment.

Convenient New Jersey Locations: With our new state-of-the-art facility in Paramus and locations throughout northern New Jersey, patients receive world-class care close to home.

Over 30 Years of Excellence: For more than 30 years, our physicians have compassionately cared for more than 40,000 patients with complex conditions.

Patient-Centered Approach: We understand that a one-size-fits-all approach does not work best for patients. We take time to thoroughly explain your condition and treatment options, and we understand that every patient’s situation is unique.

For more information about brain tumor treatment options, visit the American Brain Tumor Association or explore our comprehensive guide to radiosurgical management of skull-base tumors. You can also learn more about our stereotactic radiosurgery options for meningioma treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Meningioma

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 30 years, our physicians have compassionately cared for more than 40,000 patients with complex conditions.

Article updated October 1, 2026. 

Source: CBTRUS (Central Brain Tumor Registry of the US)