Re: meningioma

Posted By CCF Neurology* on April 08, 1998 at 20:26:57:

In Reply to: meningioma posted by Patty on April 07, 1998 at 15:04:16:






I was just diagnosed with an 18mm "appears to be" a meningioma.  It s beside my thalmus. I had a TAH/BSO May 97 so am taking Estrace.  The neorosurgeon elected to watch the tumor and advised me to stop the HRT as it may encourage the growth of the tumor which apparently is very difficult to get to to surgically remove.  It was found due an accident I had 3/7/98 in which I received a frontal head injury.Is the cessation of HRT an appropriate treatment?  How long should there be between MRI's?  What ae the chances this is not a meningioma?  Please help with these difficult questions.   I am 49 .
Dear Patty,
Meningiomas are benign, slow growing  brain tumors. They account for 10-15% of all brain tumors and affect females twice as frequently as males.  They are usually diagnosed by CT or MRI after a patient presents with neurologic symptoms (that may be present for several years) or as an incidental finding (such as in your case).  Some go undiagnosed until time of autopsy. There are various receptors associated with the tumor including  progesterone and estrogen that may cause the tumor to enlarge if stimulated; therefore, it was a wise decision to stop the Estrace. Surgery is the treatment of choice if the tumor is in an easily resectable location.  The tumor that you describe is fairly deep .Radiotherapy is an option used for non resectable, recurrent tumors. There are new stereotactic procedures that may make it more accessible. You may choose to have the tumor followed clinically with yearly scans or rescaned sooner if you develop  neurological symptoms. If you are uncomfortable with the diagnosis, I recommend that you get another opinion from a neurosugeon ( to review your scans as well as explore other therapeutic options). If you are interested in getting an appointment as CCF call 1-800-CCF-CARE.