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Watching a Meningioma Brain Tumor

Posted by robinem @robinem, Feb 8, 2018

I've just been diagnosed with a 2cm meningioma tumor on the right front of my head. I am 59 years old and the surgeon has told me I will need to "do something" with my tumor someday since I am younger. What is the benefit of waiting?

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averagewoman | @averagewoman | Jan 26, 2020
In reply to @bobhills "Robin, Have you gotten any response to your question about the meningioma/ I just had one..." + (show)
@bobhills

Robin, Have you gotten any response to your question about the meningioma/ I just had one removed and it is looking like the worst decision of my life

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Why? If it kept growing, wouldn’t that cause more problems?

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2 replies
bobhills | @bobhills | Jan 26, 2020
In reply to @averagewoman "Why? If it kept growing, wouldn’t that cause more problems?" + (show)
@averagewoman

Why? If it kept growing, wouldn’t that cause more problems?

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That is a question for your neurologist but it may not continue to grow. That can be checked with MRI's but the surgery like any other is
real pain in the ass AND has multiple risks.

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bobhills | @bobhills | Jan 26, 2020
In reply to @sanderjakidd "I am on the watch and wait regimen also. Incidental discovery when they were ruling out..." + (show)
@sanderjakidd

I am on the watch and wait regimen also. Incidental discovery when they were ruling out tumors for tinnitus. No symptoms. It’s been a year and a half. Having my third MRI soon. No change from first to second. My meningioma is a left side convexity 3cm x 2cm x 1 1/2 cm. I saw a neurosurgeon recommended by my primary care physician. I went back to my PCP and asked if there was anyway I could get a Mayo consult. My hospital has an agreement with the Mayo Clinic so she was able to get me a free consult. She did all the leg work. Their interpretation was the same as my neurosurgeon. Since no symptoms and so far not growing wait and watch. I could have it removed because it is an easy removal spot but my PCP said it’s brain surgery so don’t do it if you don't have to. I’m 67 years old. There are new technology medical treatments being used and perfected every year. This is why waiting can be good if you aren’t having symptoms. I hope I won’t need surgery.

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As a man who elected surgery, you have made a VERY wise choice.

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ginette55 | @ginette55 | Jan 26, 2020
In reply to @averagewoman "Why? If it kept growing, wouldn’t that cause more problems?" + (show)
@averagewoman

Why? If it kept growing, wouldn’t that cause more problems?

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Yes, your oncologist will tell you the risks of invading some vital part of your brain. The problem of cancer is the rapid multiplications of the cells.

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ginette55 | @ginette55 | Jan 26, 2020

yes. The growing should be checked. If they show no changes, a surgery is not recommended.

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averagewoman | @averagewoman | Jan 26, 2020
In reply to @ginette55 "Yes, your oncologist will tell you the risks of invading some vital part of your brain...." + (show)
@ginette55

Yes, your oncologist will tell you the risks of invading some vital part of your brain. The problem of cancer is the rapid multiplications of the cells.

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I thought all meningiomas were benign.

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ginette55 | @ginette55 | Jan 26, 2020

Yes they are benign when they don't grow fast. Only cancer cells have this potentiality. I suggest proton + radiations to target them. An MRI will tell you if they stopped growing. I am not for surgery.

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cyndymc | @cyndymc | Jan 26, 2020
In reply to @deblee "Are you having balance issues? I am in SC." + (show)
@deblee

Are you having balance issues? I am in SC.

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No balance issues

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1 reply
cindyt63 | @cindyt63 | Jan 26, 2020
In reply to @bobhills "Robin, Have you gotten any response to your question about the meningioma/ I just had one..." + (show)
@bobhills

Robin, Have you gotten any response to your question about the meningioma/ I just had one removed and it is looking like the worst decision of my life

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I had one removed in August 2009 and still have issues. Mine was on the left side near the frontal lobe. There were parts of the meningioma that could not be removed because of where it was. Because of the location I have lost nearly all of my executive functions. I have also lost most of my long term memory and short term memory. It is extremely frustrating to not be able to remember how to get to places I go on a regular basis. Many times I can get to the end of my driveway and then my mind goes blank. Thank goodness for GPS. My inability to deal with multiple tasks and retain new information forced me to quit a lucrative career and apply for disability. Now I am basically confined to home and local areas that I can get to and back home without much trouble.

I had no symptoms with my meninigioma at all. I fell and hit my head and went to the ER because I passed out. Xrays showed I didn't break anything but showed a rather large tumor. The neurosurgeon said that had I waited a couple more weeks I would have had a stoke from which I would not have recovered.

During follow up MRI's another meningioma was found in the top of the brain in the frontal lobe. So far it is not growing and the neurosurgeon says that should it start growing he will use laser surgery to remove it. I definitely don't want to go through the surgery again. I still have pain from it and my skull has not ever fully closed. My skull was taken apart in three or four different sections trying to reach all the tenticles of the tumor.

I wish you well with your recovery. Pay close attention to anything that you feel is not normal and discuss it with your doctor. If you aren't satisfied with the answers your doctor gives you demand further testing. I had to go to a neurophychologist to learn that I had mild cognitive impairment because of the tumor.

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averagewoman | @averagewoman | Jan 27, 2020
In reply to @ginette55 "Yes they are benign when they don't grow fast. Only cancer cells have this potentiality. I..." + (show)
@ginette55

Yes they are benign when they don't grow fast. Only cancer cells have this potentiality. I suggest proton + radiations to target them. An MRI will tell you if they stopped growing. I am not for surgery.

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I have an olfactory groove meningioma that has been stable for 8 years and grew a little two years ago.

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