The Cedar-Sinai website reports that a meningioma is a benign brain tumor, which develops in the thin membrane and covers the brain and spinal cord. Meningioma is slow growing, and does not spread to other areas of brain or spinal cord. The Mayo Clinic writes that a small meningioma may not cause any signs or symptoms, but if this tumor begins to grow it will require treatment from medical professionals. The history of meningioma mirrors scientific research and growth in medical understanding of how abnormal tumors develop in the brain.
History
This type of tumor was first identified in 1730. The first successful surgery was done in 1878, and in 1904, this type of tumor was first described as a meningioma. This was when it was identified as developing in the thin membrane. In 1922, the World Health Organization defined three categories of these tumors, benign, atypical and malignant or anaplastic. In 1938, a book was published, entitled, "Meningiomas," and 313 cases were reviewed, classified and important pathologic information was detailed.
Studies
In 1957, five grades of meningiomas were identified and experts documented the correlation between the degree of resection and recurrence. In 1987, the first microscopic examination of the tumor took place, and the tumor was found to have a consistent structure with a tumor that was taken out and then reoccurred. Since 1987, there have been further case studies on how a meningioma affected language skills, vision, and whether or not the tumor itself has hormone receptors.
Advancement
Scientist have discovered that tumors can have a tuberal shape and grow around optic nerves and blood vessels. Experts are devising ways to operate with minimal invasiveness, and learning cut these tumors out or end the effects to the brain.
Features
Over time, doctors have learned that this type of tumor produces changes in the shape of the skull. It is more common in women than in men, but in both sexes the average age of diagnosis is between 40 and 60 years old. The Mayo Clinic reports that common symptoms include changes in vision, hearing loss, headaches, seizures and weakness in arms and legs.
Treatment
Treatment of a meningioma has evolved with doctors monitoring a patient with brain scans to determine weather the tumor is growing or not. Today, medical professionals recommend two different types of treatments when dealing with meningioma. These treatments are surgery and radiation. Surgery is recommended in order to completely remove the tumor, but because meningioma is located near the brain or spinal cord, it can often be difficult to completely remove. If the tumor cannot be completely removed, then radiation therapy is performed to destroy the remaining meningioma cells.
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