Meningiomas if untreated?

[mkannan1973]

My mother 63yrs old is diagonsed with Meningioma and as of now her left side vision is comprised to some extent (not total loss). Rest of her function seems to be ok

The MRI report suggested as below.

Large, lobulated, extra-axial mass lesion filling upto the entire left cavernous sinus and encasing ipsilateral internal carotid artery. Mass effect and extension as described with hyperostosis of the underlying bones.

Now the Nuero Surgen is recomending a surgery and it cannt be done away with Gama Kinfe even as the size is big enough.

If we rule out the surgery option and leave it as is basis, what are the potential problems that can occur going forward as the tumor size increases? Is there any precedence or case studies available on untreated meningiomas

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

Meningiomas are benign conditions, however, the local effects of the tumor with increasing size can cause all of these symptoms.  For your mother's situation, I believe that leaving the tumor alone can in the future, result to further loss of vision and other problems in the brain.  This consequence is not automatic though, since the meningiomas may not increase in size after all.  The tumor may also compress the blood vessels draining some parts of the face and can cause swelling of the structures around the eyes.  I suggest you discuss the surgery option in depth with the surgeon, with the success rate and the risks of complications in mind.  I hope a good decision will be arrived at, and that everything will turn out fine.

Regards and God bless.

[mkannan1973]

Hi Paul

Thanks soo much for your prompt guidance.

Regards
M. Kannan

[movillachick]

my sis-in-law has had 7 of these types of tumours over the past 12 years,  she has had 2 removed but they are growing back.  She also has 1 that is at the brain stem, she is blind and can't walk.  the tumour is growing aggressively and they have given her 3 weeks to 3 months to live.  the docs says if they operate she will die and they can't give her another dose of radiotherapy.

[IRELANDU21]

Hi, I had a CT scan a few days ago becasuse I had tremors, and my foot went numb and I was very dizzy. The CT scan resulted in me having a 12 mm left frontal meningioma abutting the bone.

I will have an MRI tomorrow. Could you explain to me what kind of procedure I should have based on the location of the meningioma and would this be considered a benign tumor? Thank you so much.

A. Niedzwiecki