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Hi, I have looked through the comments and did not see where anyone mentioned what is involved in a craniotomy. Does this mean they have to shave your head and remove part of your skull?
Recently diagnosed with several meningiomas.

Along the planum sphenoidale is a homogeneously enhancing extra-axial mass measuring 1.0 cm with a dural tail.
5 mm homogeneously enhancing extra-axial mass overlies the posterior left occipital lobe.
Plaque-like extra-axial enhancement along the middle cranial fossa associated
with hyperostosis of the left greater sphenoid wing. Enhancement extends along the foramen rotundum.
Impression:
3 extra-axial enhancing mass is identified on the planum sphenoidale, along the
posterior left occipital lobe and along the left middle cranial fossa associated
with left sphenoid wing hyperostosis. Imaging findings are highly typical of
multiple meningiomas. Recommend outpatient referral to neurosurgery.

20 years ago I learned of an optic chasm tumor which they believed to be benign and is currently still there. My last MRI was September 2014 and these new masses were not there then. Waiting to see the neurosurgeon scheduled March 26th.

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Replies to "Hi, I have looked through the comments and did not see where anyone mentioned what is..."

@bnwenis, you asked about a craniotomy and "Does this mean they have to shave your head and remove part of your skull?"
I'm tagging fellow members @scottdemauex @jeanneoc @kdog1957 @thomhorowitz @cddonahoe @cscmaryann so they can share how their procedure was done.

Whether a piece of the skull (bone flap) is temporarily removed during surgery and how much hair is removed depends on the type of craniotomy. For example, with a keyhole craniotomy you may not need your entire head shaved for a keyhole craniotomy. Surgeons usually shave only a small area around the incision site to keep the area clean and reduce the risk of infection. The rest of your hair is left untouched and can often cover the shaved spot as it grows back. If your procedure is planned near your hairline or forehead, the surgeon may make the incision in a way that helps hide the scar in the natural hairline.

You can read more here:
- Keyhole craniotomy https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/keyhole-craniotomy/about/pac-20585909
- Craniotomy https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/craniotomy/about/pac-20568981

I hope this information helps to prepare your questions for the neurosurgeon at your upcoming appointment.