Meningioma: Anyone else? I'm frightened

Posted by pixie49247 @pixie49247, May 12, 2023

I just found out I have a Meningioma tumor from a MRI I had for something else. Doctor said they are almost always benign and am going to get an appointment with a neurologist. Anyone else have one of these. I’m getting very frightened now.

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@jmb73

No, the one I had wasn't a mold. They put a helmet on me and gave me lidocaine and then screwed it on. The lidocaine stung but I only felt pressure with the screws. It really wasn't bad or painful.

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Thank you so much. I have 2 meningiomas that are being watched and was told I may need to have gamma knife. It must be cyber knife that a mask mold is made and I am claustrophobic and could not tolerate that.

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@elisabeth007

i have had a meningoma for 5-6 years that has been monitored by my neuro-oprhamologist. On May 7, 2024, i had another scan and was told by my neuro-opthamologist that the meningoma had enlarged. He immediately referred me to an oncology neuro-surgeon he highly trusts for an evaluation. Presumably, the two will develop a treatment plan. I would think among the first things the neurosurgeon will want to do is get a biopsy

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Well I’ve yet to meet with neuro surgeons but shall update. All the best to everyone & thankyou for replies.

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@mkoch

Is Gamma Knife the one where they have to mold a mask to your face?

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Yes gamma knife is the one they mold a mask to your face. I’ve had repeated meningiomas and gamma knife over the past 5 years. It stops the growth and I do receive MRI’s every 6 months so all are monitored for any signs of regrowth. Stay positive it’s the best way to heal and keep moving forward, my very best to you.

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i have had a meningoma for almost a decade that apparently has recently changed. i’m seeing a neurosurgeon next week. please share what it’s like to have a meningoma biopsied and surgically removed

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i have a meningoma that was found on an MRI about 8 years ago. i have had at most minor symptoms eg mild to moderate headaches

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Elisabeth, I had a craniotomy/brain surgery 7 months ago to remove a 2.7 centimeter meningioma. It was not as bad as I had imagined it to be. I left the operating room on prescription pain meds of some sort, but after that I was just on tylenol every 8 hours while in the hospital for 2 days. Once at home, I didn't take tylenol at all. The worst part was the stress I endured worrying about it before the surgery.

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I was diagnosed with meningioma in 2022 and it was scary to hear brain tumor. My neurosurgeon suggested we monitor with annual MRI and if no growth we can just leave it alone. In May 2024 the MRI showed that it was growing, now I'm doing a lot of research to determine best type of treatment. My current neurosurgeon wants to do a craniotomy. It's a scary thought but this support group is helpful. Good luck in your journey.

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Have you asked about Gamma Knife Ray Surgery? That was one of the options I was given. It is non invasive but has to be done by a neurosurgeon trained in it. Just an idea.
Good luck

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@tonimt

I was diagnosed with meningioma in 2022 and it was scary to hear brain tumor. My neurosurgeon suggested we monitor with annual MRI and if no growth we can just leave it alone. In May 2024 the MRI showed that it was growing, now I'm doing a lot of research to determine best type of treatment. My current neurosurgeon wants to do a craniotomy. It's a scary thought but this support group is helpful. Good luck in your journey.

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I had Meningioma surgery in February. The surgeon said he got it out. I had rehab for ten days also. Things went very well. It takes time to fully recover. You won’t even know if you have surgery.

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@tonimt

I was diagnosed with meningioma in 2022 and it was scary to hear brain tumor. My neurosurgeon suggested we monitor with annual MRI and if no growth we can just leave it alone. In May 2024 the MRI showed that it was growing, now I'm doing a lot of research to determine best type of treatment. My current neurosurgeon wants to do a craniotomy. It's a scary thought but this support group is helpful. Good luck in your journey.

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I also had a crani for my first meningiomas in 2002. Back then I was in the hospital at least 4 days. Now, it is only about a 2 night stay. Seems crazy when you think of brain tumor doesn’t it!? Last year I had Gamma Knife for another tumor (I should add that I’ve had several watch and wait tumors over the years ((maybe 5)) but the one last year they seemed to think it was growing.) so, I did have Gamma Knife which allowed me to be home by noon. I would never minimize your feelings about a meningioma! Some are too large for gamma so you must have a crani. I would ask your NS to discuss your options.

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