meningiomas

[mamcc]

My 72 year old dad has been diagnosed with a 2.3 cm meningioma.  One neurosurgeon said it is is too small to remove and another said it is not small at all.  My dad is experiencing weakness of the right side of his body, headaches, etc.  Does this tumor sound small to you and could these symptoms be related to it.
Thank you.

[Dr. A. Srivastava]

Thank you for your question. Although without being able to examine you I can not offer you the specific advice on diagnosis and treatment that you need, but I would try to provide you some relevant information about your health concern.

Yes if meningioma is large enough it could cause headache and one sided weakness. Apart from surgery and radiation therapy, no other treatment is quite successful in meningioma. Usually meningioma is small and asymptomatic, so it can be kept in observation for a period of time by the treating neurosurgeon. If no growth has been observed from months to years & you have no symptoms after a period of time, it could be left alone without any treatment. But if it is symptomatic or growing, complete surgical resection along with radiation therapy can be done after assessing the exact condition. Hope this information proves helpful to you. Take Care & Regards!!!

[mamcc]

Thank you rumpled.  I have arranged to take him to a neurosurgeon in the next two weeks.  I appreciate your comments.

[rumpled]

It is not really the size, but the location. Your dad has symptoms. He needs to find a competent doctor to evaluate him and determine the best course of treatment - which may be surgery or radiation.