Meningioma: Anyone else? I'm frightened

My main symptom was chronic sinusitis and my left nostril always burned. I had not had any brain imaging but kept going to the E.N.T. off and on for 5 years complaining of sinus issues. Finally, I had a brain scan for a different reason, (to rule out a stroke because of tingling down my left arm) and the 3 centimeter meningioma was discovered. I took my report to the E.N.T. and he said the meningioma was not causing my sinus issues. Well, he was wrong, because all those symptoms disappeared after the meningioma was removed. My neurosurgeon said I had chronic inflammation due to the meningioma. But, to answer the most important question, the neurosurgeon wanted to remove the meningioma because it was 1/16th of an inch from my optic nerve. He was fairly certain he could remove all of it without damaging the optic nerve but that window of opportunity was limited because, even though slow growing, 1/16th of an inch was already right at the limit of being able to resect it without damaging my optic nerve. And, I will add, given that 2 other neuro doctors said no neurosurgeon would be willing to attempt to remove the meningioma given its location, I think the successful removal of mine rested in the hands of a very skilled doctor. Location is everything and yours may not be in such a tricky location to deal with.

How big was the one removed? My larger one is 9.9 mm and they said watch and wait 3 mos which isn't that reassuring. Did you have any symptoms / problems that warranted it to be removed?

@cscmaryann, I'm tagging @meningiomametwo to make sure they see your post and your questions.

@meningiomametwo, what are the next steps for you?
@cscmaryann, tough decisions. Are you leaning towards having the surgery?

I'm told my bone flap (from 2023 crainiotomy and subsequent removal of infected hardware and bone chip left after surgery] may still have bacteria in it and a "10-minute crainiotomy" could be done to determine if, in fact. there is infection still there. This 10-minute procedure would be enough to scrape some bone to do more testing on bone flap situation. What does your dr tell you about your "indolent bone infection?" I had 6 weeks of daily antibiotic infusions after removal of the infected hardware. My dr said I would probably need that again if I choose to have the "10 minute" procedure to get a new bone scraping. Have you been taking intravenous antibiotic treatment? I'm in a 6-month waiting mode to see what to do. Thank you.

For Kimd0529: I had a craniotomy to remove a meningioma a year ago. Yes, being diagnosed is a shock. The key is to find a surgeon and hospital you have absolute confidence and trust in. That makes accepting one's diagnosis and following through with any interventions easier. My tumor was in a tricky location to access, and only 1/16th of an inch from my optic nerve. All follow up MRIs have verified that it was totally resected. The location of your meningioma might be more easily accessible. And, the craniotomy was not the horrible experience I had imagined it to be. I've had 2 mastectomies and I will offer the craniotomy was no worse. Currently, I have 2 other meningiomas ( 6 mm. & 8 mm) that my surgeon has suggested we watch-and-wait. There are a lot of factors that go into a neurosurgeon's advice and I have learned to trust his expertise and not obsess about those meningiomas taking up space in my brain.

I was scared to death with my first one, so I know what you are feeling. The good thing is meningiomas are slow growing and benign. They are not a death sentence! I had one 20 years ago, had radiation done and it was gone. Just discovered a second one a few months ago. I have a new doctor, he wants to wait and see with this one.
Best things to do are to consult with the doctor, keep getting scans, and discuss treatment. Join a support group, especially one that meets live. The one I joined last time, really saw me through a lot. Yes, this is frightening, but you wil get through this.

Yes, I have one. I was also told the same thing. It’s been 3 months since the discovery. I have another appointment with the Neurologist this week and probably will get a new CT Scan. FYI, I have no symptoms. Jeanne