Meningioma – The Most Common Brain Tumour: Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a meningioma?
A meningioma is a tumour that develops from the meninges, the protective covering of the brain and spinal cord. It is the most common primary brain tumour in adults, accounting for approximately 39–40% of all primary brain tumours. Fortunately, more than 80% are benign (WHO Grade 1) and many can be completely treated when diagnosed early.
Q. Is every meningioma cancer?
No. Most meningiomas are non-cancerous (benign) and grow slowly over many years. However, even benign tumours can compress important areas of the brain and cause neurological symptoms if they become large.
Q. What are the symptoms of a meningioma?
Symptoms depend on the tumour's location and size and may include:
✔ Persistent headache
✔ Seizures (fits)
✔ Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
✔ Vision problems
✔ Difficulty speaking
✔ Memory loss or personality changes
✔ Difficulty walking or imbalance
Some meningiomas are discovered incidentally during an MRI or CT scan performed for another reason.
Q. Does every meningioma require surgery?
No. Many small, asymptomatic meningiomas can be safely monitored with periodic MRI scans. Surgery is advised when the tumour is growing, causing symptoms, compressing the brain, or when complete removal offers the best long-term outcome. In selected cases, stereotactic radiosurgery or radiotherapy may also be recommended.
Q. Can meningioma be cured?
Yes. Most benign meningiomas can be completely treated, particularly when diagnosed early and managed appropriately. Timely evaluation by an experienced neurosurgeon helps determine whether observation, surgery, or radiation is the best option.
Dr. Bhushan Meshram, Consultant Neurosurgeon, provides expert evaluation and treatment for meningiomas, brain tumours, brain haemorrhage, stroke, spine disorders, slipped disc, sciatica, cervical spine disease, and other neurosurgical conditions.
Consultations are available for patients from Lalbaug, Byculla, Chinchpokli, Curry Road, Peddar Road, Worli, Mumbai Central, Dadar, Parel, Lower Parel, and South Mumbai.
References
1. Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States (CBTRUS). Statistical Report: Primary Brain and Other Central Nervous System Tumors Diagnosed in the United States (2024).
2. World Health Organization. WHO Classification of Tumours of the Central Nervous System, 5th Edition.
3. European Association of Neuro-Oncology. EANO Guideline on the Diagnosis and Management of Meningiomas.Neuro-Oncology. 2021.
Q. What is a meningioma?
A meningioma is a tumour that develops from the meninges, the protective covering of the brain and spinal cord. It is the most common primary brain tumour in adults, accounting for approximately 39–40% of all primary brain tumours. Fortunately, more than 80% are benign (WHO Grade 1) and many can be completely treated when diagnosed early.
Q. Is every meningioma cancer?
No. Most meningiomas are non-cancerous (benign) and grow slowly over many years. However, even benign tumours can compress important areas of the brain and cause neurological symptoms if they become large.
Q. What are the symptoms of a meningioma?
Symptoms depend on the tumour's location and size and may include:
✔ Persistent headache
✔ Seizures (fits)
✔ Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
✔ Vision problems
✔ Difficulty speaking
✔ Memory loss or personality changes
✔ Difficulty walking or imbalance
Some meningiomas are discovered incidentally during an MRI or CT scan performed for another reason.
Q. Does every meningioma require surgery?
No. Many small, asymptomatic meningiomas can be safely monitored with periodic MRI scans. Surgery is advised when the tumour is growing, causing symptoms, compressing the brain, or when complete removal offers the best long-term outcome. In selected cases, stereotactic radiosurgery or radiotherapy may also be recommended.
Q. Can meningioma be cured?
Yes. Most benign meningiomas can be completely treated, particularly when diagnosed early and managed appropriately. Timely evaluation by an experienced neurosurgeon helps determine whether observation, surgery, or radiation is the best option.
Dr. Bhushan Meshram, Consultant Neurosurgeon, provides expert evaluation and treatment for meningiomas, brain tumours, brain haemorrhage, stroke, spine disorders, slipped disc, sciatica, cervical spine disease, and other neurosurgical conditions.
Consultations are available for patients from Lalbaug, Byculla, Chinchpokli, Curry Road, Peddar Road, Worli, Mumbai Central, Dadar, Parel, Lower Parel, and South Mumbai.
References
1. Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States (CBTRUS). Statistical Report: Primary Brain and Other Central Nervous System Tumors Diagnosed in the United States (2024).
2. World Health Organization. WHO Classification of Tumours of the Central Nervous System, 5th Edition.
3. European Association of Neuro-Oncology. EANO Guideline on the Diagnosis and Management of Meningiomas.Neuro-Oncology. 2021.
