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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@michelegriffen

I had a hearing test which led to an MRI. I was totally surprised to find I have 2 meningiomas. I was also diagnosed with having white spots scattered about in my brain. Both diagnoses are concerning My first appointment with a neurosurgeon has been scheduled for April 16th. I don’t know which issue is worse. I’m often a caregiver for people who have dementia (Alzheimer’s) so I’m quite aware of the disease process but I’m not familiar with brain tumors. I guess I’ll be learning a lot. I also worked for a hospice for 9 years as a case manager (not the nursing side of things) I’m ready to learn what I need to know to make the best decisions for myself. I’m going to make a list of questions to ask. Any suggestions?

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First, the good news: surgery can often totally remove and cure meningiomas. (It did, for me).

I would ask how sure is it that what is seen is actually a meningioma? Is located where it is harder or easier to treat? Is my general health good enough to successfully get through the surgery or recommended treatment? What kind and amount of support will I need at home once the treatment has ended? What do you recommend?

I would also ask myself the following: do I have any reason to think that my health will deteriorate in the next few years so that I couldn’t survive surgery 5 years from now that I could now? Am I comfortable with using this hospital and doctors or not? Am I sure that I will have the support at home to get me through the treatments? What about 5 years from now if watch and wait is recommended?

I sincerely wish you the best in the future challenging days.

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I’m so sorry I know the feeling! I am 6 weeks post operation from a meningioma mine was 4 cm and I did go to the neurologist but I chose to go to 2 independent of each other so I would know for sure as the first one told me I needed surgery .. that if it was 2 cm or smaller they could treat with radiation but over that size is surgery . The good news about meningiomas is most are benign but the only real way to know is if they biopsy your tumor . Hopefully you don’t have to have surgery but mine was removed via surgery 6 weeks ego and I’m feeling myself again slowly but surely !

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Was your blurring consistent or did it come and go?

Thank you.

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Hi,
I have a Meningioma on the top of my slight left brain area. I've been told by the Neurologist (he thinks tumor is benign). Dec. 2017 after I had a Left Brain stem stroke -Wallenberg Syndrome. When I seen a Neurology/Vascular Surgeon last year, he stated that he wanted an MRI Brain performed every year because tumor has gotten slightly larger and he's watching a frontal lobe CCM as well. I have a lot of headaches because of these issues. Hugs to you and everyone !

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yes, i found out i had one on December the 16th and had it surgically removed on december 18th.and bebecause it was a grade 3, i will have to have radiation to remove kill any residual cancer cells hopfully preve't 'nting regrowth. the surgery wasn't that bad. i still have some processing issues and speech issues. i am hoping that the radiation therapy doesn't set me back. i want to keep moving forward. i don't know the future of this tumor but trusting God with my future.

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@terid

Hi, I just found out I have a timy Meningioma tumor from a MRI also and my Doctor said they are almost always benign. I too, am going to get an apointmetnt with a neurologist. My Doctor also said they may just wait and see what happens. Best of wishes!

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I had surgery for a large meningioma. Benign. A friend has a small one and they are just watching it. She has had it with no growth for about 15 years

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@meepmufasa

I had one in April 2022. I understand every person’s results are different. Benign meningioma was successfully removed. I woke up with drop foot and possibly neuropathy. My sister, an RN, suggested possibly that restraints on arms/legs surgery were not routinely loosened and retightened. For blood flow. I guess I would make that a point to doctor. Be your best advocate.

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After my surgery. I also have issues with my leg and foot

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Found out that I have a 2.9cm meningioma last October while being diagnosed for another problem. I don't seem to have any notable symptoms. Had a MRI safe pacemaker implant since then. Am now due for a follow-up MRI. Was now told that MRI is now not possible since I had a stent implant in right coronary artery 12years ago. Problem is that even in pacemaker MRI safe mode, presence of stent will destroy the pacemaker and result in emergency replacement surgery. Only alternative to MRI would be CT scan. Would reduced image resolution be adequate to determine any changes in meningioma since last MRI in October?

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@16kidark80

Found out that I have a 2.9cm meningioma last October while being diagnosed for another problem. I don't seem to have any notable symptoms. Had a MRI safe pacemaker implant since then. Am now due for a follow-up MRI. Was now told that MRI is now not possible since I had a stent implant in right coronary artery 12years ago. Problem is that even in pacemaker MRI safe mode, presence of stent will destroy the pacemaker and result in emergency replacement surgery. Only alternative to MRI would be CT scan. Would reduced image resolution be adequate to determine any changes in meningioma since last MRI in October?

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Even though a CT scan is inferior to an MRI when it comes to imaging all the particulars of a meningioma, I would think the radiologist would still be able to measure it accurately. And what you're trying to ascertain is if it has grown. A good question for your doctor.

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Yes, I had a large one 6cm removed on 3/31/25. I would make sure you go to a reputable medical center. I went to Tufts in Boston. They've been doing these surgeries for 30yrs. See if you can find out if tumor is stuck in or on brain. If so, it's more risky. I was lucky, mine was laying on top of the brain so they didn't have to cut any brain tissue.

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