Meningioma
A meningioma is a tumour that grows from the lining that covers the brain and spinal cord. It is the most common type of primary brain tumour. The vast majority are benign (non-cancerous) and grow slowly, often over many years.
What is a Meningioma?
A meningioma is a tumour that grows from the lining that covers the brain and spinal cord. It is the most common type of primary brain tumour. The vast majority are benign (non-cancerous) and grow slowly, often over many years. A small number can be more aggressive.
Many meningiomas are discovered incidentally during a brain scan performed for an unrelated reason. Not all meningiomas require surgery – management depends on tumour size, location, growth rate, symptoms, and the patient's age and overall health. At One Brain and Spine, our Melbourne neurosurgeons take an individualised approach to each patient, providing clear advice about whether observation, surgery, or radiosurgery is most appropriate.
What Causes Meningiomas?
In most cases, there is no known cause. Being female doubles the risk, which may be related to hormones, and meningiomas can sometimes grow faster during pregnancy. The risk also increases with age, with most cases occurring in people in their 50s and 60s.
Certain rare genetic conditions, such as neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), can also cause multiple meningiomas to develop.
Symptoms of a Meningioma
Meningiomas cause symptoms by pressing on adjacent brain tissue, cranial nerves, or blood vessels. Symptoms depend on tumour size and location:
Incidental – No Symptoms
A significant proportion of meningiomas are discovered incidentally on a brain scan performed for an unrelated reason. These tumours may require only surveillance.
Headache
Progressive headache, particularly if worse in the morning or associated with nausea, may indicate raised intracranial pressure from a larger meningioma.
Seizures
Meningiomas overlying the cerebral cortex may cause focal or generalised seizures.
Focal Neurological Deficits
Depending on location, patients may develop neurological symptoms including limb weakness or numbness, speech difficulty, visual changes, hearing loss, facial numbness, or balance problems.
Cognitive or Personality Change
Frontal lobe meningiomas may cause subtle personality change, cognitive slowing, or executive dysfunction that may be mistaken for depression or dementia.
How is a Meningioma Diagnosed?
Meningiomas are diagnosed using brain scans. In most cases, the scans are so characteristic that a tissue biopsy is not needed before planning treatment. The diagnosis is confirmed when the removed tumour is examined under a microscope after surgery.
- MRI scan – the main scan used to diagnose a meningioma. It gives a detailed picture of the tumour, including its size, location, and relationship to surrounding brain structures.
- CT scan – provides additional detail about the bone and any calcium deposits within the tumour. This helps with surgical planning.
- CT angiography – a specialised scan that looks at the blood vessels supplying the tumour. This may be needed for larger tumours before surgery.
Treatment Options for Meningioma
Observation (Watch and Wait)
Not all meningiomas need immediate treatment. Small meningiomas that are not causing symptoms can often be safely monitored with regular MRI scans, usually every 6-12 months. Many remain stable for years without ever needing treatment. If the tumour grows or begins to cause symptoms, treatment will be recommended.
Surgery – Craniotomy and Resection
Surgery is the main treatment for meningiomas that are causing symptoms, growing, or in a position that poses a risk to the brain. The aim is to remove the tumour completely, including the area where it attaches to the brain lining. Complete removal gives the best chance of cure, with less than a 10% chance of the tumour coming back within 10 years.
At One Brain and Spine, our neurosurgeons use the latest image guidance, nerve monitoring, and microsurgical techniques to remove as much of the tumour as safely as possible.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) / Radiotherapy
For smaller tumours, a highly targeted beam of radiation can be used to stop the tumour from growing – without the need for open surgery. This is delivered in one or a small number of sessions and is effective.
This option is particularly well suited to tumours at the base of the skull, for patients who are not fit enough for surgery, and in cases of tumour recurrence after surgery. Treatment is planned in collaboration with a radiation oncology specialist.
For larger or more aggressive tumours, a course of standard radiotherapy may be recommended instead.
Frequently Asked Questions – Meningioma Melbourne
Is a meningioma always cancerous?
No. More than 95% of meningiomas are benign, meaning they are not cancerous. However, they can still cause problems by pressing on the brain. A small number are more aggressive and require more intensive treatment.
Do all meningiomas need to be removed?
No. Small meningiomas that are not causing symptoms can often simply be monitored with regular MRI scans. Surgery is recommended if the tumour is causing symptoms, is growing, or is in a position that may affect brain function.
What is the recurrence rate after meningioma surgery?
When a benign meningioma is completely removed, there is less than a 10% chance of it coming back within 10 years. If the tumour cannot be fully removed, the chance of it returning is higher. All patients are followed up with regular scans after surgery.
Can a meningioma be treated without surgery?
Yes. Small meningiomas may be monitored or treated with targeted radiation (radiosurgery), which is a good option for tumours in difficult locations or for patients who are not well enough for surgery. Your neurosurgeon at One Brain and Spine will discuss the best option for your individual situation.
Why Choose One Brain and Spine for Meningioma in Melbourne?
One Brain and Spine is a specialist neurosurgical group practice in Melbourne, bringing together extensive expertise in brain, spinal, and peripheral nerve surgery. Our team has particular strength in neurooncology surgery, delivering multidisciplinary care using the latest technology available in Australia. We are committed to providing comprehensive, patient-focused treatment through:
- Specialist neurooncology neurosurgeons – internationally fellowship-trained with subspecialty cranial surgery expertise
- Advanced technology – including intraoperative navigation, neuromonitoring, and state-of-the-art microsurgical techniques
- Multidisciplinary care – close collaboration with neurologists, oncologists, and radiation oncologists to ensure optimal outcomes
- Patient-centred approach – compassionate care with clear explanations of your diagnosis and all available treatment options
- All major health funds accepted