Meningioma

What are meningiomas?

Meningiomas develop in the layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord, called meninges. The meninges are membranes that support and protect the brain and spinal cord. A clear fluid called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) travels in the spaces formed by the meninges.

Find out more about the meninges and the different parts of the brain

Meningiomas can start anywhere in the brain and spinal cord.  

Symptoms

Symptoms of meningioma depend on where the tumour is in the brain. Some meningiomas do not cause any symptoms. They might be picked up when you have a brain scan for something else.

If you have symptoms these might include:

• fits (seizures)

• weakness in your arms or legs

• changes in your eyesight

• hearing loss

• loss of smell

• headaches

Find out more about the symptoms of brain tumours

Risks and causes of meningioma

The cause of meningioma is unclear. The risk increases with age, and they are more common in women.

There may be an increased risk in people who have had previous radiotherapy to the head, but this is rare. Some rare genetic hereditary conditions may also increase the risk. For example, familial schwannomatosis.

Types and grades of meningiomas

Doctors group meningiomas into groups depending on how quickly they are likely to grow. This is called the grade. They can be low grade (slow growing) or high grade (fast growing).

The grade depends on how the cells look. Generally, the more normal the cells look, the lower the grade. The more abnormal the cells look, the higher the grade. Grade also depends on genes and proteins in the tumour cells. 

There are 3 grades of meningiomas:

• grade 1 - these are slow growing tumours and are the most common type

• grade 2 - these can grow more quickly than grade 1. They are sometimes called atypical meningiomas

• grade 3 - these are faster growing tumours and are quite rare

Doctors also split meningiomas into subtypes. There are 15 different types of meningioma. 

Read more about the grades of brain tumours

How common it is

Around 27 out of every 100 brain tumours (around 27%) diagnosed in England between 1995 and 2017 were meningiomas. It is the most common type of benign brain tumour diagnosed in the UK.

What tests will I have?

You have tests to diagnose a meningioma. Your doctor checks the size of the tumour and its location. This helps your doctor plan your treatment. The tests you might have include:

• MRI scan or CT scan

• a biopsy

• blood tests

• a test of your neurological system (neurological examination)

We have more information about the tests you might have to diagnose a brain tumour

Treatment

Your treatment depends on whether the meningioma is low grade (slow growing) or high grade (fast growing). It also depends on where the tumour is, your general health and the symptoms you might have.

Your specialist doctor and healthcare team will talk to you about your treatment plan. They’ll explain what to expect and any possible side effects. You can ask questions at any time.

Follow up

You have regular appointments with your doctor or nurse after treatment finishes. Your doctor examines you at each appointment. They ask how you are feeling, whether you have had any symptoms or side effects, and if you are worried about anything. You also have MRI scans on some visits.

How often you have check ups depends on your individual situation. Your specialist will let you know how often you have appointments and scans.

Having scans can be worrying. It can help to speak to family or friends about how you feel. Or you can get in touch with your specialist nurse. You should also speak to your specialist nurse if you have any symptoms between your appointments.

Coping with meningioma

Coping with a diagnosis of a brain tumour can be difficult, both practically and emotionally. It can be especially difficult when you have a rare tumour. Being well informed about the type of tumour you have, and its treatment can make it easier to cope.  

Find out what you can do, who can help and how to cope with a brain tumour