Meningioma

The human skull and brain tissue are separated by three layers of membranes, collectively known as the meninges. From outermost to innermost, these are the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater. A meningioma is a type of brain tumor that originates from the arachnoid cap cells. Meningiomas can occur at any age but are rare in children. They are most common in individuals over 60 years old and are more prevalent in women than in men. Early stages often present without obvious symptoms, with symptoms developing later due to tumor compression. Common Questions Q: How serious is a meningioma? A: A meningioma is a common type of benign intracranial tumor. The severity of a meningioma depends on its size and location. If the tumor is small and located superficially, such as on the cerebral convexity, complete surgical resection is often possible, leading to a cure, and the condition is not considered serious. However, if the tumor is located in a deep area, such as the skull base, the condition is more serious because the tumor may adhere to surrounding blood vessels, nerves, and brain tissue, making complete surgical resection difficult. Surgery in these cases also carries a risk of severe complications such as hemiplegia, coma, or even death. Overall, the prognosis for the vast majority of meningiomas is very good.