Brain Turmors: Meningioma

Meningioma represents about 34% of all primary brain tumors and occurs most frequently in middle-aged women (Brain Tumor Primer 49). Meningioma mostly occurs in older women, but a meningioma can still occur in males at any age, including childhood. Majority of meningioma are benign which are slow growing tumors that are localized and non-infiltrating (Brain Tumor Primer 49). A meningioma can be found at the base of the skull, and in the back, lower part of the brain (Brain Tumor Primer 49). The benign meningioma grows with distinct borders because it grows slowly, it can grow large before symptoms are noticeable (Brain Tumor Primer 50). Meningioma occurs less frequently in the spine (Brain Tumor Primer 50). Risk factors for meningioma include prior radiation which is exposure to the head, and a genetic disorder called neurofibromatosis type 2, which affects the nervous system and the skin (Brain Tumor Primer 50). However, meningioma also occurs in people who have no risk factors (Brain Tumor Primer 50). Symptoms for meningioma are possible depending on the location of the tumor (Brain Tumor Primer 50). The most common indications are headache, weakness on one side, seizures, personality, and behavioral changes, and confusion (Brain Tumor Primer 50). In order to evaluate the tumors location you have to use Neuro-imaging, which is scanning, with a CT or MRI (Brain Tumor Primer 50). In order to have full access to the meningioma, the neurosurgeon has to open the skull through a craniotomy. A craniotomy is a surgical operation in which a bone flap is temporarily removed from the skull to access the brain. The goal of surgery is to remove the meningioma completely; however complete removal can carry potential risks that may be signific...

... middle of paper ...

...tumors are cancerous or non-cancerous, however being either does not stop treatment from saving patients. As stated the treatments can work and have worked in the past lifetime. The healthiness of a patient has the benefit of the doubt that the patient will have a longer lifespan. Meningioma can go away for a little amount of time and then return but only as a slow growing tumor. Glioma is a cancer that goes away and comes back ten times stronger than before. Mestastic brain tumor can cause permanent damage to the patient’s body, but its worth by getting the treatment and know that you are cure from a cancer. Tumors are life threatening and life giving. Once a patient has been notified of a tumor growing in their body, it changes their attitude and the potential future in their eyes. The chance of living by treatment is worth way more than living without treatment.