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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Meningioma and radiation exposure?
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury.
Meningioma and radiation exposure?
by skitty, Sep 27, 2006 12:00AM
I am from Canada around the Toronto area. I have just been diagnosed with a small meningioma tumor in my front right lobe. I have been researching the internet for any information that I can find to help me be educated enough to talk to my family about this, with out scaring them. One thing that I keep reading is that exposure to radiation, defective chromosome 22 are some of contributing factors in the development of a meningioma tumor. This is very ironic as I work in a nuclear station and my job is to protect fellow workers from exposure to radiation.... I am a Radiation Technician working in the Radiation Protection Department in a 6 pack Candu nuclear plant... Our family has a high ALS history. From what we have been told chromosome 22 is part culprit. Is it possible with my chromosome make up and being exposed to with-in legal limits of radiation that this could be a contributing factor to my developing a meningioma tumor?
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-SH, Oct 04, 2006 12:00AM
First of all, keep in mind that I am unable to diagnose you because I am unable to examine you, this forum is for educational purposes.
Meningiomas arise from the cells that make of the coverings of the brain (meninges:Dura, arachnoid and pia). There are many types of meningiomas, but the vast majority are benign, incidental findings on CT/MRI films and often do not have any clinical significance. Meningiomas are very common and is unlikely to be linked to a specific chromosome abnormality or related to your radiation exposure. Meningiomas can be related to high does of radiation, such as given to shrink tumors, but this would be well above the acceptable level that you would be exposed to as a radiation worker. When meningiomas cause problems it is generally because they expand and push brain tissue (called mass effect). Rarely these tumors can be fast growing, invade bone/brain or undergo malignant transformation. The majority of the tumors are very slow growing and do not cause any symptoms at all. If a meningioma were to become symptomatic in the right frontal lobe it might cause seizures predominantly affecting the left side of the body, problems with exexcutive functioning and loss of inhibition. If you are not having any symptoms (you did not mention any) I would suggest following this tumor with serial imaging (about 1 a year).
I hope this has been helpful.
Meningiomas arise from the cells that make of the coverings of the brain (meninges:Dura, arachnoid and pia). There are many types of meningiomas, but the vast majority are benign, incidental findings on CT/MRI films and often do not have any clinical significance. Meningiomas are very common and is unlikely to be linked to a specific chromosome abnormality or related to your radiation exposure. Meningiomas can be related to high does of radiation, such as given to shrink tumors, but this would be well above the acceptable level that you would be exposed to as a radiation worker. When meningiomas cause problems it is generally because they expand and push brain tissue (called mass effect). Rarely these tumors can be fast growing, invade bone/brain or undergo malignant transformation. The majority of the tumors are very slow growing and do not cause any symptoms at all. If a meningioma were to become symptomatic in the right frontal lobe it might cause seizures predominantly affecting the left side of the body, problems with exexcutive functioning and loss of inhibition. If you are not having any symptoms (you did not mention any) I would suggest following this tumor with serial imaging (about 1 a year).
I hope this has been helpful.
I’ve had to deliver tough medical news about myself to my family members and it’s tough – especially with children.
My best wishes – for me the hardest part was coping with my family’s feelings more than my own. It's good you are researching your diagnosis because facts and honesty are the best way (I have found) to deal with this type of thing.
From what I've seen, your type of tumor is typically benign – hopefully that is your diagnosis.
I’m curious, have you had any coworkers with a similar diagnosis (not just brain but also thyroid)? Have you had genetic testing? Sometimes answering “why” can be comforting and it might just lead to others being proactive about getting checked out too.
My best to you, please keep us posted.