Meningioma: Anyone else? I'm frightened

Many thanks for your response, suggestions and information.
Have you had any treatment yet, and, if so, what kind, or are you still deciding?

In some respects, I think the questions to be asked would be based on whatever information you already have from the scan that ascertained that she has a meningioma. For example, if you were told that the meningioma is more than 3 centimeters it is unlikely that she would be a candidate for radiation. Then, my first question would be how easily accessible is the location for surgical removal. You could also ask if it would be reasonable to take a watch-and-wait approach and have a repeat scan in 6 months. That is what I did. I needed the time to educate myself and get used to the whole idea of having a craniotomy. Given that you are going to the Mayo Clinic, you are in good hands and the doctors there will guide you along the way. For what it's worth, I'll offer one bit of advice I was told by my neurosurgeon at U.C.S.F., and that would be, if the patient is healthy, and the meningioma is in a location that is operable, surgical resection is always the first choice.

In some respects, I think the questions to be asked would be based on whatever information you already have from the scan that ascertained that she has a meningioma. For example, if you were told that the meningioma is more than 3 centimeters it is unlikely that she would be a candidate for radiation. Then, my first question would be how easily accessible is the location for surgical removal. You could also ask if it would be reasonable to take a watch-and-wait approach and have a repeat scan in 6 months. That is what I did. I needed the time to educate myself and get used to the whole idea of having a craniotomy. Given that you are going to the Mayo Clinic, you are in good hands and the doctors there will guide you along the way. For what it's worth, I'll offer one bit of advice I was told by my neurosurgeon at U.C.S.F., and that would be, if the patient is healthy, and the meningioma is in a location that is operable, surgical resection is always the first choice.

Our daughter has an appt next week at Mayo re a meningioma. What type of questions should we ask?

While I don't live geographically near you ( a state of MD resident), I am a 10yr meningioma survivor-thriver and run a nonprofit that focuses on pre and post-operative support for meningioma survivors-thrivers.

As a newly diagnosed M patient below are a few MUST dos:
1) Know the type, grade, and location/area of your tumor. These factors determine the treatment plan needed.
2) Do your research so that you have a known understanding bout this very complex brain disease. There is limited empirical scientific research done on meningioma brain tumors. Your docs will use the term 'benign' to mainly indicate that meningioma brain tumors are non-cancerous.
3) Create a list of questions to ask of the healthcare team providing your services. If you receive replies that don't sit well with you or you need more detailed responses, ask for them!
4. Always have someone with you to provide support and take notes on what is being shared with you by the healthcare team. Being very informed will ultimately aid you in deciding on your care plan.
5. ALWAYS get more than one medical opinion before deciding on your treatment options.

Go well...

While I don't live geographically near you ( a state of MD resident), I am a 10yr meningioma survivor-thriver and run a nonprofit that focuses on pre and post-operative support for meningioma survivors-thrivers.

As a newly diagnosed M patient below are a few MUST dos:
1) Know the type, grade, and location/area of your tumor. These factors determine the treatment plan needed.
2) Do your research so that you have a known understanding bout this very complex brain disease. There is limited empirical scientific research done on meningioma brain tumors. Your docs will use the term 'benign' to mainly indicate that meningioma brain tumors are non-cancerous.
3) Create a list of questions to ask of the healthcare team providing your services. If you receive replies that don't sit well with you or you need more detailed responses, ask for them!
4. Always have someone with you to provide support and take notes on what is being shared with you by the healthcare team. Being very informed will ultimately aid you in deciding on your care plan.
5. ALWAYS get more than one medical opinion before deciding on your treatment options.

Go well...

Hi ... I was also diagnosed with a meningioma 3-4 yrs ago. I have 2- 1 in frontal lobe and 1 in back. I've decided to go for a second opinion. Headaches are getting worse, and a few other symptoms are a little concerning. I live in Connecticut and will try someone in Hartford, anyone know of a neurosurgeon in my area?