Meningioma: symptoms, causes, grades and treatment

Cancer Research UK says symptoms of meningioma depend on where the tumour is in the brain, and some do not cause any symptoms at all. The Brain Tumour Charity adds that these tumours can be present for many years without symptoms, and when symptoms begin they usually come on gradually as the tumour gently compresses brain tissue rather than invading it.

• Headaches.

• Fits (seizures).

• Weakness in the arms or legs.

• Changes in eyesight, such as partial loss of vision or double vision.

• Hearing loss or ringing in the ears.

• Loss of smell.

• Cognitive difficulties such as memory loss.

The NHS brain tumours page says to see a GP if you have symptoms such as persistent headaches, seizures, persistent sickness and drowsiness, mental or behavioural changes, progressive weakness on one side, or vision or speech problems, particularly if you have a headache that feels different from your usual headaches or headaches that are getting worse. It stresses you may not have a brain tumour, but these symptoms should be checked.

If the GP cannot identify a more likely cause, they may refer you to a neurologist for further assessment and tests such as a brain scan.

Cancer Research UK says doctors group meningiomas by how quickly they are likely to grow, called the grade, which depends on how the cells look and on genes and proteins in the tumour cells. There are 15 different subtypes. The Brain Tumour Charity notes there are no grade 4 meningiomas.

Cancer Research UK says treatment depends on whether the meningioma is low or high grade, where the tumour is, your general health and your symptoms. Your specialist team will go through the plan, what to expect and possible side effects.

Cancer Research UK says the tests you might have include an MRI or CT scan, a biopsy, blood tests and a test of your neurological system. The doctor checks the size and location of the tumour, which helps plan treatment.

Cancer Research UK says the cause is unclear. Risk increases with age and meningiomas are more common in women. There may be an increased risk in people who have had previous radiotherapy to the head, but this is rare, and some rare genetic conditions may also increase the risk.

The Brain Tumour Charity says that grade 1 meningiomas are more common in women, which may be linked to female hormones, and that meningiomas can occasionally grow faster during pregnancy. It says there is nothing you could have done, or avoided doing, that would have caused a brain tumour. It also notes that the rare condition neurofibromatosis type 2 increases the risk of meningiomas, and that women with a BMI of 30 or more have a 60% higher risk than women with a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9.

Cancer Research UK says you have regular appointments after treatment, with MRI scans on some visits, and that how often depends on your situation. It advises speaking to your specialist nurse about any symptoms between appointments.

It also notes that a brain tumour can affect your ability to drive, and that you may not be allowed to drive for some time after diagnosis or treatment. Ask your doctor or specialist nurse about your right to drive.

On how long people can live with a meningioma, the Brain Tumour Charity says this is difficult to answer and that a doctor can give an estimate based on grade, location and general health, though not everything about growth and response to treatment can be predicted.

On the NHS, a GP refers you to a neurologist or for a brain scan, and confirmed meningiomas are managed by a neuro-oncology multidisciplinary team, with surgery in neurosurgical centres.

Private neurology and neurosurgery consultations and MRI scans are available, usually self-paid or insured. Active monitoring and radiotherapy plans are made by the specialist team looking after the tumour.