Meningiomas

Has anyone had experience with these? After experiencing headaches and a seizure, my 31 year old husband received a biopsy and was diagnosed with having 3 benign brain tumors called 'meningiomas'- 1 is large and the other 2 are small. Our first neurosurgeon recommended removing the large one with surgery and the other 2 with radiation (CyberKnife). We decided to go for a second opinion and while that neurosurgeon recommended removing the large one with surgery, he doesn't believe the other 2 should be treated with radiation due to my husband's age - said the radiation will inevitably damage the healthy tissue surrounding the tumor. Instead, he recommends removing all 3 surgically. The downside? It's a more complicated surgery that would mean 6 weeks recovery and more importantly, a 15% chance that he could lose his olfactory senses (smell/taste). We're so torn. Is there anyone out there that could offer advice on this?

[Michael Lim, MD]

In general, meningiomas are benign lesions.  While I have not seen your husband's scans, meningiomas can cause seizures.  If they are large and are causing symptoms, most neurosurgeons would recommend removing it.  For the smaller lesions, surgery, radiation, and observation are all options.  The decision for choosing is complex and in general take into account history (i.e. symptoms or demonstration of meningioma progession over time), size, location of the meningioma, and they patient''s preferences.  While it is a distressing period, perhaps getting another opinion can help you get more information.

[lizzie123]

i had surgery to remove a large meningioma nearly three years ago. it saved my life as i was in danger of a stroke and losing my vision. i am 37 with two children, the operation itself does have risks and is scary but when you think of your family you have to go through it and i am glad i did.

[primerate2]

A related discussion, I also had a large one was started.