yulius hermanto
Insight of Meningioma
Link: www.hopkinsmedicine.org
Meningioma often associated with brain tumor, in fact this tumor occurs at dural (layer tissues that covers the brain and spinal cord). Meningiomas are often benign and slow-growing. Meningiomas typically grow inward causing pressure on the brain or spinal cord, but may grow outward to the skull, causing it to thicken.Meningiomas account for about 20% of all primary brain tumors, which are tumors that begin in the brain or its coverings. They are most likely to be
diagnosed in adults older than 60 years of age, and the incidence appears to increase with age. Meningiomas are rarely found in children. They occur about twice as often in women as in men.
Cause of Meningioma
The possible origins of meningiomas are still debatable. A lot of theories have been proposed about that. According to current knowledges; between 40%
and 80% of meningiomas contain an abnormal chromosome 22. This chromosome is normally involved in suppressing tumor growth.
Meningiomas also frequently produce the platelet derived growth factor (PDGFR) and epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) which may ccontribute to the growth of these tumors.
Some risk factors are associated with meningiomas; such as: previous radiation to the head, a history of breast cancer, or neurofibromatosis type 2.
Some meningiomas have receptors that interact with the sex hormones progesterone, androgen, and less commonly, estrogen. The expression of
progesterone receptor is seen most often in benign meningiomas, both in men and women. The function of these receptors is not fully understood, and
thus, it is often challenging for doctors to advise their female patients about the use of hormones if they have a history of a meningioma. Although the
Symptoms of Meningiomas
The symptoms of brain tumors often not quite specific; overlapping symptoms between several diseases often mask the tumor occurence. The detailed and careful interview or history taking by doctor is important to recognize the tumor occurence.
As the tumor grows, it may interfere with the normal functions of the brain. The symptoms will depend on the location of the tumor. The first symptoms are usually due to increased pressure on the brain caused by the growing tumor.
Headache and weakness in an arm or leg are the most common symptoms but often overlapping with other causes, although seizures, personality
changes, or visual problems may also occur. Pain and loss of sensation or weakness in the arms or legs are the most common symptoms of spinal
cord meningioma.
Diagnosis
Process of confirming meningiomas consist of several steps. First of all, history taking is the clue for the doctor, if the doctor unaware about the possibility of tumor as the cause of your symptoms, the next steps of diagnosis will not be done.
The next step is continued by neurological examination, followed by an MRI and/or a CT scan. MR angiography (a MRI scan of the blood vessels) or an arteriogram (a blood vessel X-ray) may be performed to help the doctors plan an embolization, a procedure to block the blood vessels in the tumor. Used for tumors that have an extensive blood supply, embolization may help reduce bleeding during surgery.
However, the only confirmation of meningioma is from an examination of a sample of tumor tissue under a microscope. Such a tissue sample can only be obtained through a surgical biopsy or excision.
Treatment
Treatment for meningiomas consists of several options, but lot of factors determine the options. From watchful waiting, surgery, radiotherapy, and others.
Surgery still the primary treatment for meningiomas especially in the accessible area of the brain. The goal of surgery is to remove as much tumor as possible. In the case of tumor can't be remove totally, then partly remove maybe an option, follow by radiotherapy or watchful waiting.
Besides the accesible of the tumor; patient's preference and condition also determine which option should be chosed.
