Meningioma: what it is, whether it is cancer, and what a CT scan shows

Hearing the word "meningioma" in a report after a computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scan means encountering a diagnosis you had not thought about before. Let us calmly and step by step explain what this tumor is, whether it is cancer, and what exactly the scan shows.

What a meningioma is

Brain tumors are an overgrowth of abnormal cells in brain tissue. They are divided into benign, without cancer cells, and malignant, with cancer cells, which grow quickly. Some tumors are primary: they start in the brain rather than coming there from another organ. The cause of most brain tumors is unknown; risk factors include age (more common in older people), past radiation to the head, and some hereditary conditions. Brain tumors can occur at any age, including in children, but are more common in older people.

Meningioma: is it cancer or not

The short answer is not always. Brain tumors are assessed by grade: grades 1 and 2 are considered low, grades 3 and 4 high. Most low-grade tumors are benign: they grow slowly and are less likely to return after treatment. Malignant tumors usually have a high grade and more often grow back. Therefore, the question "is a meningioma cancer" is decided not by a single word in the report but by the grade and characteristics of the cells assessed by the doctor.

Types and grades: atypical meningioma

The grade reflects how quickly the tumor grows and how likely it is to return after treatment. In atypical meningioma, the type and grade are determined by the doctor. Tumors can be primary (starting in the brain) or secondary (coming from another organ).

Falx meningioma: location and features

The falx is a fold of the dura mater that separates the hemispheres. A falx meningioma is a meningioma located next to this fold. The symptoms of the tumor depend on which part of the brain is affected.

Symptoms of meningioma

The manifestations of a brain tumor are diverse and depend on its location. Common signs described in brain tumors:

• headaches, often in the morning, or unusual in character;
• nausea and vomiting, drowsiness;
• seizures;
• weakness or paralysis on one side of the body;
• problems with vision, speech, memory, or behavioral changes.

Sometimes there are no symptoms at all, or they increase very slowly. If a headache differs from your usual one or worsens, this is a reason to see a doctor.

Meningioma on CT and MRI: how it is diagnosed

Diagnosis of brain tumors includes a neurological examination and investigations: MRI, CT, and biopsy. The doctor assesses the type of tumor, its location, size, spread, and the condition of the cells — further management and follow-up depend on this. If the doctor does not find a more likely cause of the symptoms, they may refer you to a neurologist for further evaluation and tests, such as brain scanning.

A meningioma by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance. Call 103 or 112 if seizures, sudden weakness, or paralysis on one side of the body occur.

This material is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation: only a specialist, knowing your scans and condition, can explain what the report means in your particular case.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer