When you hear the word tumor, fear naturally follows. So, of course, when diagnosed with a meningioma, you may initially react with a swirl of anxiety and uncertainty. Most pressingly, you may be wondering, “Is meningioma life threatening?” In this article, we will discuss how the answer may not be a simple yes or no. That being said, it can be a manageable condition more than it might seem at first, and we will explore some meningioma treatment options.

What Exactly Is a Meningioma?

A meningioma is a tumor that arises from the meninges. These are the protective coverings (membranes) that surround your brain and spinal cord. Most meningiomas are classified as Grade I (benign), which means they grow slowly and are not usually cancerous. However, some rarer variants can be atypical (Grade II) and even malignant (Grade III).

So, Is It Life-Threatening?

A general benign meningioma is not life-threatening. That being said, the location, size, and rate of growth of the tumor can turn it into a more serious medical concern.

While a benign meningioma may not directly invade brain tissue, it can compress surrounding structures, including nerves, blood vessels, or other areas of the brain that are responsible for critical functions. That’s why the location can make the tumor more risky.

For example:

• A tumor pressing on the optic nerve may cause vision problems and, potentially, even blindness.
• If growing near the motor cortex, a tumor can lead to weakness or loss of coordination.
• Tumors near the brainstem can affect breathing and heart rate regulation.

Even if the tumor is slow-growing and not fatal, it can cause debilitating symptoms and complications over time if left untreated. For this reason, it is imperative to seek treatment.

Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored

Not every patient with a meningioma will have symptoms – many of these tumors are found out incidentally, when a patient needs imaging for unrelated issues. But, when symptoms do appear, they can vary based on the location of the tumor.

Common signs may include:

• Persistent headaches
• Vision changes or double vision
• Seizures
• Hearing loss
• Memory difficulties or personality changes
• Numbness or weakness in limbs

Symptoms can be subtle, develop gradually over time, and worsen as the tumor grows. Any new or progressive neurological issue should promptly be evaluated! Regular checkups and early evaluation are crucial because sometimes symptoms can be easy to dismiss if they are subtle.

Diagnosis and Monitoring

Imaging is usually the first step, with an MRI or CT. If the tumor’s behavior raises any red flags, then this step is followed by a biopsy. Doctors may even recommend active surveillance or regular imaging to look for any changes over time.

The “wait and see” approach is common for:

• Small tumors
• Older patients without symptoms
• Tumors located in high-risk surgical zones

Treatment Options

Here are several factors that can affect the treatment your physician may opt for:

• Surgical removal – the most common treatment, especially if the tumor is accessible and causes symptoms.
• Radiation therapy – used either when surgery is not possible or some tumor remains after surgery.
• Stereotactic radiosurgery – a very precise form of radiation, ideal for small or difficult-to-reach tumors.
• Observation – chosen when the tumor is small, benign, and asymptomatic.

Ongoing follow-up is also essential. Even after surgery, recurrence can be possible, especially for a higher-grade tumor.

Living With a Meningioma

For many, even after a meningioma diagnosis, life can stay relatively normal – even more so if treated early! But even in benign cases, the quality of your life can be impacted based on your symptoms, treatment side effects, and the emotional weight of having a brain tumor. While some patients do not require treatment past observation, others may be faced with the emotional and physical impact of surgery, recovery, or long-term monitoring. Do not hesitate to reach out to support groups and mental health resources, as well as clearly communicate with your healthcare team; these things really can make a big difference.

Talk to Your Neurosurgeon

So, to recap, meningioma is not life-threatening most of the time. But, there are special cases where it can be dangerous. Early detection and individualized treatment are crucial in its management. If you have any questions about your symptoms, diagnosis, or treatment outlook, schedule an appointment with a neurosurgeon as soon as you can. They will take care of you and work with you to retain the best possible quality of life.