Meningioma is a tumor that forms in the outer coverings or layers of the brain. Although it is not a type of brain tumor, it can still grow and compress the structures of the brain and produce the symptoms of a brain tumor. The most common type of brain tumor is meningioma. Meningiomas are not an aggressive type of tumor but when meningioma compresses the important structures of the brain including nerves and blood vessels, it can lead to serious condition and even disability of the patient. Meningioma is most commonly present in females of the old age group but it can also present in young females. Some of the time, meningioma does not cause any symptoms and does not require any treatment other than watchful waiting. Symptoms of meningioma are not prominent at first. But when the tumors grow, symptoms are according to the structure involved in the brain. The exact cause of meningioma is not known but it mostly occurs due to genetic mutations and long-term radiation exposure. Meningioma can be treated with various options but mostly the type of treatment used is according to the condition of each patient and the suitability of specific treatment. In rare cases, treatment of meningioma only involves symptom relief and pain control.
Types of Meningioma Treatment India
Here are some types of treatments for meningioma:
- Surgery
- Radiation Therapy
- Observation
- Medications
- Clinical Trials
- Embolization
Surgery
The primary treatment for meningioma is surgical removal of the tumor. In surgical procedure, the tumor is completely removed or only a part of the tumor is removed for symptom relief. This treatment is only performed when a tumor can be removed surgically.
Radiation Therapy
In some cases, when complete surgical removal of a tumor is not possible, radiation therapy is used where high-energy radiation is used to kill tumor cells. This can also be used after the surgical removal of part of the tumor.
Observation
When meningiomas are asymptomatic and do not cause any complications, it is observed by medical professionals for the nature of tumor cells. In this, no treatment is used and tumors are monitored regularly.
Medications
Some medications can be used to control the growth of tumors and to manage symptoms. It is used in some cases where surgery or radiation therapy is not suitable for specific patients.
Clinical Trials
Some patients participate in experimental treatments for the meningioma. It is usually allowed to patients when the case is complicated and cannot be treated with other treatment options.
Embolization
In cases where the tumor has a good blood supply, an embolization procedure is performed in which blood vessels of tumors are destroyed to reduce blood flow to the tumor. It is performed to make surgical removal safer and more effective.
Diagnosis of Meningioma Treatment India
Some of the diagnostic methods that are used for the diagnosis of meningioma are as follows:
Medical History and Physical Examination
A healthcare provider takes the complete medical history of the patient including symptoms and performs some physical examination on the patient to make a rough diagnosis of the condition of the patient.
Neurological Examination
A neurological examination tells about the functioning of the brain. In this, some tests are performed to check the integrity of the structures and function of the brain.
Imaging Studies
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI scans are the most commonly used for the diagnosis of meningioma. MRI can provide a detailed picture of the brain and also tell about the size and location of the tumor.
CT (Computed Tomography) Scan: When an MRI cannot be performed on a patient, a CT scan may be used to identify the presence of a tumor in the brain.
Biopsy
Biopsy test is performed for different types of cancers in the body including brain tumors. In this test, the tissue of the tumor is examined in the laboratory to check the nature of tumor cells and the aggressive growth of the tumor.
Radiological Classification
Meningiomas are often classified based on their appearance on imaging scans. It can be helpful to plan the treatment of an individual patient.
Additional Tests
Depending on the specific case, additional tests can be performed such as angiography, in which blood flow is assessed to the tumor or a lumbar puncture test is performed to examine fluid around the brain and spinal cord.
Cost of Meningioma Treatment in India
The cost of meningioma treatment in India ranges from 2600 USD to 3500 USD. The cost can vary according to the type of treatment used and the complications of each patient during treatment. It can also vary according to the facilities of the hospital.
Meningioma Treatment 2664 USD 3552 USD
Symptoms and Risk factors
Symptoms can vary for each patient according to the location of the tumor. Some of the symptoms are:
- Dizziness
- Speech difficulties
- Hearing loss
- Swallowing difficulties
- Facial numbness
- Cognitive changes
- Mood swings
- Sensory disturbances
- Motor skill problems
- Hormonal imbalances
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Vision changes
- Memory problems
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Personality changes
- Balance issues
Risk Factors for Meningioma
Some of the risk factors for meningioma are as follows:
Gender
The female population is at more risk of developing meningioma than the male population. So middle and old-age females are more prone to develop meningioma.
Age
The risk of meningioma increases with increase in age. Because it is most commonly present in older adults.
Genetic Factors
Some diseases that are caused by genetic mutations are also associated with an increased risk of meningioma.
Radiation Exposure
Exposure to high-energy radiation in previous cancer treatment or due to occupation can also increase the risk of meningioma.
Hormonal Factors
Some meningiomas also grow due to the effect of some hormones. So hormonal factors can also contribute to the development of meningioma.
Previous Head Injury or Trauma
Head injury during accidents and falls is also associated with an increased risk of meningioma. However, the risk is very low.
Obesity
Sometimes, obesity can increase the toxins in the body which can increase the risk of tumors in the brain.
Environmental Factors
Exposure to certain environmental toxins or chemicals is also a risk factor for many types of tumors in the body including brain tumors.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Long-term use of medications that involve hormone therapy can also increase the risk of meningioma. Patients who take these medications are at greater risk of developing meningioma.
Family History
There is a positive correlation between family history of brain tumors and the development of meningioma in patients. It may occur due to genetic changes that run in families.
. Dr. Bipin Walia.webp)
02/23/2025
