meningioma
Pronunciation: men-in-jee-OH-mah
Usually benign brain tumour arising from the meninges, most commonly attached to the dura mater.
Full Definition
Meningioma is the most common primary intracranial tumour, typically arising from arachnoid cap cells within the meninges. These tumours are usually benign (WHO Grade I) and grow slowly, though atypical (Grade II) and anaplastic (Grade III) variants exist. Meningiomas commonly occur along the cerebral convexities, falx cerebri, tentorium cerebelli, and skull base. Many are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally, while larger tumours may cause symptoms through mass effect, including seizures, focal neurological deficits, or increased intracranial pressure. Treatment options include observation, surgical resection, and stereotactic radiosurgery, depending on size, location, and symptoms.
Usage
Usage note: Specify location and WHO grade when known for accurate clinical communication.
In Context
- "A 3cm parasagittal meningioma was incidentally discovered on MRI performed for headaches." — Neurosurgical consultation
- "The patient's seizures were attributed to the frontal convexity meningioma causing mass effect." — Epilepsy clinic documentation