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Meningioma

Overview

Meningioma is typically a slow-growing tumor that originates from cells of the meninges. The meninges are membrane layers that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord. Meningioma occurs with neurological signs and symptoms that vary depending on the tumor’s location. Headaches, weakness, and seizures are common symptoms, but they are not exclusive to meningioma. Importantly, because most are slow growing, they are often found incidentally in brain images such as MRI or CT when testing is done for other reasons. Also, slow growing tumors can become quite large before symptoms develop which often happens with meningiomas. Meningiomas are the most common type of primary brain tumor.


2021 WHO CNS Grade

A tumor grade describes how normal or abnormal tumor cells appear under a microscope. In lower grade tumors like grade 1, the cells look close to normal. In higher grade tumors like grade 4, the cells look more abnormal. Meningiomas are considered grade 1, 2, or 3

Statistics

  • Percent of All Brain and Other CNS Tumors: 41.7%
  • Average Annual Age-Adjusted Incidence Rate: 10.15 per 100,000
  • Median Age at Diagnosis: 67 years

Survival

Survival rates compare the percentage of people living with a particular diagnosis at a particular point in time compared to the general population.

  • One-Year Relative Survival Rate: 93.3% 
  • Five-Year Relative Survival Rate: 88.1%
  • Ten-Year Relative Survival Rate: 83.3%

Treatment Options

Every person living with a brain or CNS tumor is unique. If you have been diagnosed with a brain or CNS tumor and would like to better understand your treatment options, it is important to work with your health care team to decide the best course of treatment for you. You may also consider getting a second opinion or reaching out to our Personalized Support and Navigation team to learn more.

“Being a psychologist doesn’t make me immune to anxiety or having to use my own tools to get through something tough

Chaka C.
Read About Chaka’s Meningioma Experience

References

The above information is from the World Health Organization (WHO) Central Nervous System (CNS) Tumors Classification of Tumours and the Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States (CBTRUS) unless otherwise noted. It was written by NBTS staff and medically reviewed by members of the NBTS Scientific and Medical Advisory Council.

Last updated April 22, 2025

Please speak with your health care provider for more information about your tumor type, biomarkers, and treatment options, including clinical trials.

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