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CANCER SERVICES

Diagnosis & Treatment

Meningioma

Find a meningioma specialist

How is Meningioma Diagnosed?

Diagnosis

To diagnose a meningioma, your doctor will conduct a physical and neurological exam and ask you about your symptoms and health history. Your primary care physician may refer you to a neurologist.

To accurately diagnosis a meningioma tumor, additional tests will be required, including:

  • CT scan - This test will provide a cross-section or full image of the brain. A contrast dye may be used to help highlight the picture for more detailed information. The dye is injected through an IV.
  • MRI - An MRI test uses radio waves and a magnetic field to create a detailed image of the brain. Contrast dye may also be used to provide an in-depth picture of the meningioma.
  • Biopsy - In some cases, a sample of the tumor (biopsy) may be required. The tissue sample can determine whether the meningioma is a benign tumor or a malignant tumor.

How is Meningioma Treated?

Treatments

Treatment for a meningioma will depend on the size, location, type of tumor, and growth rate. Age and health of the patient are also factors. Traditional meningioma treatments include observation (for a slow-growing meningioma), radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery.

Continuous observation

If your tumor is small and slow-growing, a “wait-and-see” approach may be recommended, especially if you aren’t experiencing any meningioma symptoms. Your doctor may suggest routine MRIs and check-ups to monitor the growth of the tumor and any other health issues that arise.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy involves the use of a highly focused beam of radiation to target tumors without causing damage to surrounding cells. It’s beneficial for meningiomas that are deeply located and hard to remove with surgery. Radiation therapy can also be useful in treating benign tumors.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy can be used to treat inoperable meningioma tumors, shrink operable tumors prior to surgery, and destroy any remaining tumor cells after surgery.

Surgery

The goal of surgical resection (removal of a tumor) is to remove as much of the meningioma as possible without causing harm to the surrounding areas. A total removal can cure approximately 70% to 80% of people with this type of tumor.

FAQs

FAQs

The majority of meningiomas are classified as Grade 1 or “typical” and can be less than 2 centimeters in diameter. Some meningiomas can grow up to 5 centimeters and, if left untreated, continue to grow in size.

The vast majority of meningiomas are Grade 1 and highly treatable, with 5-year survival of about 90%. Malignant meningiomas are less common and have a 5-year survival rate of over 60%.

Get Care

Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Meningioma Treatment

At NewYork-Presbyterian, we treat the whole patient, not just the meningioma. Our teams of neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists will work together to address your symptoms and provide the best treatment plan for you.

To learn more about our treatment options for meningioma, contact the cancer specialists at NewYork-Presbyterian for an appointment.