Meningioma Treatment
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- Overview
- What It Is
- Causes
- Risk Factors
- Diagnosis
- Symptoms
- Prognosis
- Living With
- Complications
- User Questions
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- Screening
- Medications
- Prevention
- Treatment
- Alternative Treatment
- Care Guide
- Questions for Your Doctor
- When to Contact a Doctor
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- Resource Guide
How to Treat Meningioma
Treatment will depend on whether the tumor is malignant or benign, the size and position of the tumor, as well as your general health. The main types of treatment for meningiomas are:
Surgery
Surgery may be recommended if the tumor is located in an area of the brain that is accessible to surgery. Most surgeries can be performed without causing neurologic damage.
Embolization
In some instances, prior to surgery, a catheter may be inserted into blood vessels supplying the meningioma in order to disrupt the flow of blood to the tumor, causing it to shrink and making it easier to remove surgically.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is used either on its own or after surgery has been performed. If the tumor is not located in an area of the brain where surgery can be safely done, and the tumor is causing problems, radiation therapy is an effective way of treating the tumor and stopping its growth. If the tumor is malignant, radiation is generally always offered. In this case, radiation may be given either on its own or after surgery to help prevent the tumor from coming back.
Your radiation oncologist will describe how the therapy is delivered and how many treatments are needed. You may receive 25-40 treatments on a daily basis, or far fewer treatments if you are having stereotactic radiotherapy (surgery).
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is used only in the treatment of malignant meningiomas. Different medications are available and are generally used in conjunction with surgery and radiation therapy. Your oncologist will discuss the options and choice of medications.
