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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Meningioma
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Meningioma
by sarah, Apr 25, 2001 12:00AM
I was diagnosed with a meningioma about a year ago. Since then, I have read that birth control pills can accelerate the growth of a meningioma. I have been on birth control pills(Marvelon) for migrane headaches continuously for about 3 years. I am wondering if I should stay on them. Also, my neurosurgeon recommended that I have a CT Scan every two years to monitor the meningioma. I have seen elsewhere that the CT Scans should be done yearly. Which would you suggest?
Thanks ever so much for any help you give.
Thanks ever so much for any help you give.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF Neuro[P]-M.D.-RPS, Apr 27, 2001 12:00AM
Dear Sarah:
I am sorry to hear about your meningioma. Most of the time, a meningioma is a finding that occurs by accident. They are very slow growing, and the usual treatment is to follow them over time with CT. Whether one does a yearly or whatever time span between CT scans is a personal decision that is very physician dependent. There are several things that would help one make that decision such as location, size, family history, medical history, etc. I am sure that your neurologist has factored that into the equation, but you might want to ask what went into the decision. Some meningomas have receptors for progesterone and/or estrogen. Whether these receptors are responsive in the growth of the meningoma is not entirely known. As you know, your own body produces these same compounds and would therefore also have an effect on the meningioma. Is your meningoma sensitive to estrogen and/or progestrone? If so, then I would agree with limiting the addition of further amounts of these steriods. If it is unknown, then see if by stopping the birth control pill changes the growth over a period of time. Likely, your meningoma is so slow growing that one might not be able to tell. Now if you had neurofibromatosis, then maybe it might be a good idea to stop the pills. See what your neurologist has to say.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD
I am sorry to hear about your meningioma. Most of the time, a meningioma is a finding that occurs by accident. They are very slow growing, and the usual treatment is to follow them over time with CT. Whether one does a yearly or whatever time span between CT scans is a personal decision that is very physician dependent. There are several things that would help one make that decision such as location, size, family history, medical history, etc. I am sure that your neurologist has factored that into the equation, but you might want to ask what went into the decision. Some meningomas have receptors for progesterone and/or estrogen. Whether these receptors are responsive in the growth of the meningoma is not entirely known. As you know, your own body produces these same compounds and would therefore also have an effect on the meningioma. Is your meningoma sensitive to estrogen and/or progestrone? If so, then I would agree with limiting the addition of further amounts of these steriods. If it is unknown, then see if by stopping the birth control pill changes the growth over a period of time. Likely, your meningoma is so slow growing that one might not be able to tell. Now if you had neurofibromatosis, then maybe it might be a good idea to stop the pills. See what your neurologist has to say.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD
(a wonderful man) and we have gone to the Best Neurosurgeon at Kaiser Sunset, Dr. Fukami and they both say that endoscopic surgery will not work in her case. But I still feel as though it could be done, it must be wishful thinking, but I do want the best for my wife. PLEASE HELP with your comments about, craniotomy v.endoscope treatment are welcome, we have surgery date of, July 11, 2001 Kaiser, Woodland Hills, CA
Thanks for your time. Ron Morton (818) 366-0790