Meningioma of the brain is a very complex disease, which is characterized by the appearance of a neoplasm inside the skull. Against the background of this pathology, a tumor grows from the soft membrane of the organ. In terms of its prevalence, it is in second place after glioma.
General characteristics of the disease and its features
The neoplasm has a rounded shape and, as a rule, is soldered to the hard shell of the brain. The tumor can be small in size or, conversely, very large. Usually its size starts from a couple of millimeters and reaches up to fifteen centimeters or more. The consistency of this formation is quite dense. For her, the simultaneous appearance of cysts is characteristic.
Basically, this form of the disease affects patients aged forty to seventy years. In children, cerebral meningiomas practically do not occur. Most often, this type of tumor is diagnosed in women. Pathology acts as a benign education and is characterized by a gradual increase along with multiple growth, which can significantly impair the quality of life.
Given that the intracranial space is limited, the development of a tumor leads to compression of the most important nerve centers. In the event that a malignant variant is observed, then the further prognosis for life is usually unfavorable.
In the presence of cerebral meningioma (according to the ICD - D32), it does not always manifest itself, especially during the initial stages of development, it is detected by accident. This neoplasm is localized mainly on the surface of the brain. In the presence of such a tumor, surgery can not always be done, especially considering the fact that relapse is likely to develop. It is difficult to predict which direction the meningioma will grow. In the most advanced cases, the tumor can grow in such a way that it can be noticed even without instrumental diagnostics. Treatment of cerebral meningiomas without surgery is discussed below.
Pathology classification
The presented disease has different types. It all depends on the benignness of the tumor, growth rate and general prognosis of the disease. The following forms of cerebral meningioma are:
- Typical type of disease. Such a tumor almost does not pose any danger to the patient's life. It grows in the brain extremely slowly, in addition, it can be completely removed. After surgery, examples of relapses are extremely rare. Moreover, the prognosis of life is usually positive. This form of neoplasm in the brain occurs in ninety percent of cases.
- Atypical type of disease. This form of the tumor cannot be considered a malignant variant, although it grows much faster. Immediately after removal, the meningioma of the brain can reappear. The prognosis in such situations is relatively favorable, since a sick person constantly has to be under the diagnostic supervision of specialists in order to avoid dangerous consequences.
- Malignant type of disease. This form of meningioma of the brain is the most dangerous, although they fix it less often than all. It is very rapidly developing, greatly destroying cells. The duration of human life, if any, is significantly reduced. You can only try to treat such a pathology surgically, but it’s worth saying right away that this method almost does not give any positive effect. The forecast, unfortunately, in this situation is mostly unfavorable.
Of course, it is necessary to treat the pathology immediately after the symptoms are detected, however, quite a lot of time can pass before the first manifestations of the disease. In addition, people do not always attribute its signs to some dangerous disease.
The causes of the disease
Why the development of meningioma occurs, experts have not yet been able to accurately determine. Today it is known that the risk category includes predominantly white women aged from forty to seventy years. This group also includes patients who have cancer relatives. In addition to these categories of people, the risk group includes employees of nuclear plants, that is, personnel who service nuclear reactors. Especially fear should be HIV-infected, and, in addition, those who have significantly reduced immunity. Persons who underwent surgery related to organ transplantation are also related to the risk group.
Among other things, the following predisposing factors can be distinguished:
- The presence of a genetic predisposition along with a defect in the 22nd chromosome.
- A person undergoes radiation therapy as part of the treatment of other malignant pathologies.
- Change in the hormonal background in women, and, in addition, in men who have reached the age of forty.
- The presence of traumatic brain injury with the presence of damage to brain tissue.
- The appearance of impaired functionality of the nervous system.
- Regular effects on the body of small doses of radiation.
- The presence of breast cancer.
- The presence of harmful working conditions, for example, activities in the chemical or oil industry along with living in ecologically polluted areas.
- The appearance of inflammatory diseases of the brain, as well as its membranes in the form of encephalitis, meningitis, arachnoiditis.
- Regular use of foods that contain nitrates. Similar substances can accumulate in the body.
Of course, in order to protect yourself from the appearance of a tumor, you must try to avoid the influence of the above factors. Regarding genetic defects, it should be noted that in such situations qualified assistance from specialists is required.
The consequences of cerebral meningiomas can be very serious.
Symptoms of pathology
Initially, meningiomas do not appear, so a person may not even realize that he has a serious illness. Even after the appearance of headaches, people do not assume that they develop a tumor. But the body should always be listened to in order not to miss the appearance of pathological processes. This disease is distinguished by the appearance of general and local symptoms. Common symptoms include the following manifestations:
- The appearance of a headache, which is present almost constantly.
- The presence of drowsiness, which can overcome at any time of the day.
- The appearance of nausea and vomiting for no apparent reason.
- The presence in the state of health of depression, lethargy, general weakness and depression.
- The occurrence of problems with movement. Difficulties with mental operations and memory gaps.
- The appearance of epileptic seizures, seizures, as well as paralysis of the limbs.
- Observation of behavioral changes.
- The presence of muscle weakness.
- Observation of impaired consciousness.
- Increased intraocular pressure.
The following symptoms are distinguished depending on the position of the tumor:
- In the event that the meningioma is located in the area of the sphenoid bone, and, in addition, on the surface of the hemispheres, then the patient will have epileptic seizures.
- In the presence of lesions of the cranial fossa, the patient will partially lose his sense of smell, and, in addition, he will have increased intracranial pressure. Also, with such a location of the tumor, people have a frustrated vision and a mental disturbance. In addition, the development of hearing loss is not ruled out.
- In the event that there is an increase in meningioma of the frontal lobe of the brain, then the patient will experience a deterioration in thinking with memory. With such a tumor, the appearance of psychoemotional disorders is characteristic. It will be difficult for the patient to concentrate on something, and it is also difficult to make any specific decision. When the tumor continues to grow further, the person begins to become irritable and he develops depression.
- When a tumor appears in the cerebellum, the patient may feel a loss of balance, while it will be difficult for him to navigate in space, there will be a violation of consciousness. Such patients cannot properly hold their body. Often people have cramps. In the event that the neoplasm continues to grow further, then the development of complete paralysis of the limbs is possible.
- In situations where meningiomas grow in the temporal region, patients experience tremors with impaired hearing and speech.
Types of meningiomas and their manifestation
It should also determine what local symptoms are present in a person with meningioma. The following types of disease with the corresponding manifestations are distinguished:
- In the presence of falx meningioma, the tumor can grow from the crescent process. Patients have epileptic seizures. Against the background of the development of pathology, paralysis of the legs with impaired functioning of the internal organs may appear.
- The appearance of anaplastic meningioma. Such a tumor is considered malignant and occurs mainly among men. It is almost impossible to find through a routine medical examination or through symptoms. In order to accurately diagnose, it is necessary to use instrumental research methods.
- The presence of a petrified brain tumor. When it appears, a person gets tired very quickly and he has a weakness in the limbs. He is not able to perform even the simplest actions. In this case, a violation of muscle tone occurs, dizziness occurs.
- The appearance of parasagittal meningioma. Such a tumor is accompanied in patients by a change in pressure. Patients experience seizures along with epileptic seizures and loss of skin sensitivity. The lower limbs may become numb, and therefore patients are not able to move normally.
- The development of psammomatous meningioma of the brain. Such a tumor contains a significant number of spherical neoplasms. They occur in the connective membrane of brain tissue, as well as in the vascular plexuses.
- The appearance of convexital meningioma. Such a tumor is localized under the area of the temporal, frontal or occipital bone part. Serious, but irreversible, complications are likely after removal of such a tumor.
In the event that the tumor grows rapidly, then over time the patient becomes disabled even against the background of successful treatment.
Diagnosis of the disease
An accurate diagnosis can only be made by an experienced specialist. First of all, the patient will need a consultation with the ENT specialist, neurologist, ophthalmologist and therapist. In order to determine the presence of a tumor in the brain, the patient must undergo the following studies:
- Conducting computed tomography. This study is conducted using a contrast medium. Specialists have the opportunity to determine the nature of the neoplasm, while other diagnostic methods can be omitted. In the event that the meningioma is malignant, then in its tissues it will accumulate contrast.
- Conducting magnetic resonance imaging. This procedure is absolutely safe. It helps to find a brain tumor even when it has millimeter dimensions. In addition, with the help of such a study, a relapse of the pathology can be detected.
- Examination for visual acuity and ophthalmoscopy.
- Biopsy of tissue formation. Histological examination is performed immediately after removal of the meningioma, and, in addition, during surgery.
- Blood test procedure for the presence of tumor markers.
- Angiography, which determines the state of the blood vessels of the brain. This procedure is performed invasively using a small radiation dose. True, such a study is far from always required.
The exact diagnosis is made by the attending physician: a neurologist or a neurosurgeon.
Features of the treatment
Treatment of cerebral meningiomas is performed with the help of medications. In addition, radiation therapy is carried out, as well as surgical intervention. Therapy depends on factors such as the general condition of the patient, the size of the neoplasm, location and symptoms.
In the treatment process, the following four approaches are mainly used:
- Monitoring the development of the neoplasm. Doctors regularly monitor tumor growth using magnetic resonance imaging. Diagnostics is done once every six months. This method of treating cerebral meningiomas without surgery is not used when the tumor size is too large and the symptoms are severe. Often, wait-and-see tactics are used in the treatment of elderly patients, as well as those who are contraindicated in surgery.
- Surgery to remove meningiomas of the brain. In the event that a benign tumor is excised completely, then the probability of its re-occurrence is reduced to zero. In addition, doctors receive enough material to perform a histological analysis. Immediately after the operation, plastic defects are performed using their own tissues or artificial materials. During the operation, doctors use very accurate equipment. Doctors monitor the course of brain meningioma on monitors.
- Carrying out stereotactic radiosurgery. With its help, meningioma cells are destroyed, and healthy tissue is not damaged. The only drawback of this treatment is the limitation on the size of the tumor. Radiosurgery can fight meningiomas, whose size does not exceed three centimeters.
- Conducting radiation therapy after removal of meningioma of the brain. It is required when there are many tumors, and their exact position cannot be established. Most brain tumors can not be cured with radiation therapy.
In the event that the tumor is excessively fused with nerve fibers or blood vessels, the operation to remove brain meningiomas will be difficult and dangerous. Moreover, to fully remove it will not work. Part of the tumor remains, and in further treatment, it can be influenced by radiation therapy.
In addition to removing damaged tissue, the patient is prescribed symptomatic therapy. For example, it is required to remove brain edema with an inflammatory process. The fight against the disease is carried out using traditional treatment. After surgery, the patient is prescribed corticosteroids in the form of "Dexamethasone" and "Prednisolone". It also requires the use of anticonvulsant and antihypertensive drugs designed to lower intracranial pressure.
Sometimes they carry out the treatment of cerebral meningiomas without surgery and folk remedies as part of complex therapy. For example, tincture of clover helps. For its preparation, flowers with leaves of a plant are used. It takes 20 grams of raw materials and half a liter of vodka. Next, the drug is insisted for ten days, after which they take one spoonful before meals.
The prognosis of cerebral meningioma is presented below.
Consequences of the disease
Any tumors in the head are dangerous, as they can irreversibly disrupt the functionality of the brain. Treatment of benign neoplasms has a positive prognosis in most cases. But with regard to malignant tumors, they carry a great danger to the life of the patient. During operations, doctors can randomly grab important parts of the brain. In this regard, it is never possible to predict the final result of an intervention. So, brain meningioma was removed. After surgery, brain tissue needs time to recover. Patient rehabilitation is carried out using the following methods:
- Carrying out acupuncture. This technique leads to activation of the endings of the brain nerves, and also restores the sensitivity of the legs after paralysis.
- Carrying out drug treatment supports the patient's condition, preventing the re-occurrence of neoplasms. For example, patients require medications that reduce intracranial pressure. Sometimes topical is replacement therapy.
- Physical therapy classes, thanks to which patients can restore mobility along with other body functions. In order not to overwork, exercises should first be done in the pool.
What is the prognosis for cerebral meningioma?
A tumor that affects the brain is most often benign, although some negative factors can cause its unwanted degeneration. In the event that a person is often worried about headaches, and other symptoms are present, you can’t delay in visiting a doctor.
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