Meningioma

Meningiomas are tumors that grows from the meningeal layers of the brain, which protect and cover the brain and our spinal cord. These are benign central nervous system tumor usually arises from the meninges of the brain and the spinal cord. It accounts for 40% of the primary brain tumors and it is still not clear what causes meningeal cells to divide uncontrollably which ultimately forma a meningioma. Symptoms of meningioma majorly depends on the size of the tumor but includes changes in vision, headaches, hearing loss and seizures.

Types of Meningiomas

Meningiomas are of various types and are grouped into 3 Grades on the basis of its characteristics. Molecular testing is required to know the type, characteristics and grade of Meningioma. Meningiomas are categorized into 3 Grades as below:-

Grade I – These are low-grade tumors and are common. The tumor cells grow slowly.

Grade II – These are atypical meningiomas are middle-grade tumors. The tumors have a higher chance of coming back after being removed. 

Grade III – These are anaplastic meningiomas that are cancerous. They are very fast-growing tumors. 

Symptoms of Meningiomas

Meningioma, during the initial stages, may be asymptomatic or may show very weak symptoms or no symptoms, since the growth rate of these type of tumors is gradual. However, with time and depending upon the site of development of such tumors, the symptoms may become Visible and predominant. The symptoms of meningioma include blurring of vision, dizziness, loss of hearing, headaches, weakness, loss of memory, loss of smell, seizures, nausea, vomiting, spasms and others.

Diagnosis of Meningioma

Neurologists/Neuro Surgeons treat meningiomas. Any individual having symptoms of meningioma must immediately consult an experienced neurologist for the necessary treatments and prevention of complications later. The diagnosis of meningioma involves thorough neurological examination along with various imaging tests such as Computerized Tomography CT-Scan and/or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

Treatment of Meningiomas in India

India is one of the top destinations for the treatments of Meningiomas worldwide, with greater success rates and fair costing which attracts patients globally. Patients from all corners of the world are coming to India and getting best treatments. Hospitals in India are well equipped and doctors are highly skilful which makes India a highly specialized in treating complicated cases like meningiomas.

Further, once a person is diagnosed with meningioma, he/she is subjected to proper methods of treatment, which may involve Surgical Removal of the Tumors and/or Radiation Therapy. The treatment for these cases depends on the size and location of the meningioma, rate of growth and the health condition of the patient undergoing treatment.

Types of Treatment for Meningiomas

Meningiomas can be treated in various ways which includes Surgical Removal of the Tumors and/or Radiation Therapy which purely depends on the size and location of the meningioma, rate of growth and the health condition of the patient undergoing treatment. The treatment methods are discussed below.

Surgical Removal of Meningioma

Craniotomy and Excision of Meningioma Surgery:- Craniotomy is a surgical procedure in which a part of the skull is temporarily removed to expose the brain and perform an intracranial procedure i.e. excision of meningioma and some healthy tissue around the tumor to avoid recurrence of meningioma. Complete removal of the tumor is not possible in some cases, which can adversely affect the brain cells. Such patients need to follow the necessary precautions as suggested by the doctor and must visit them for routine check-ups even after recovery. This should be done in order to keep track regarding the growth of the tumour cells that could not be removed during the process of treatment. By far, Neurosurgery is time proven treatment for Meningiomas. 

1. Radiotherapy/Radiation Therapy for Meningiomas

Radiotherapy is another way to treat Meningiomas and other brain tumors by destroying the fast dividing tumor cells through radiations. Radiation therapy is usually advised to a patient considering the patients health condition, Location of the tumor in the brain and when the meningioma is small, benign or very slow-growing (low-grade).

2. CyberKnife, X-Knife & Gamma Knife for Meningioma Treatment

Few of the renowned radiation surgery are CyberKnife, X-Knife & Gamma Knife. These are the latest technology to resect meningiomas and Indian Hospitals which are well equipped with all the latest equipment and expert doctors. It allows patients to lie comfortably on the procedure table without anesthesia while the robotic arm moves, without touching them, to treat all areas of the tumor without any surgical intervention. Recovery is also immediate, with a low risk of damage to healthy tissue or any other complication.

Recovery after Meningioma Treatment

Post-surgery, the patient may require to stay in the hospital for 5-8 days generally. This may vary depending on the condition of the patient. However, patients are able to get back to work 2-4 weeks post discharge from the hospital. The post-treatment guidelines for the problem of meningioma include taking rest, regular intake of the prescribed medicines on time, maintaining a healthy diet as recommended and visiting the doctor regularly for routine check-ups. Overall, the recovery rate is good and it generally takes around a month for the patient to get back to normal living and work. In complicated cases, the recovery time can exceed to around 6-12 weeks.

Risks/Side-Effects after Meningioma Treatment

After surgery, for  shorter duration of time some people develop some problems, such as weakness of the muscles, speech problems, or difficulty with coordination. Symptoms depend on where the tumor was located. Most of the times, these symptoms go away after a sometime.

Best Hospitals & Doctors in India For Meningioma Treatment

Cost of Meningioma Treatment

The cost of Meningioma Surgery in India is approx. $ 5600 – $ 7600 depending upon the hospital and doctor chosen by the patient.

Conclusion

Meningiomas are the tumors of the brain that generally develops slowly or fast depending upon the type/grade of the meningioma tumor. These are the tumors of the Brain that can be treated in India with Surgical as well as methods involving radiation with good prognosis. With all the necessary technology and highly skilled doctors, India is the destination to get treatment for meningiomas. Recovery and improvement after the treatment is excellent, with minor risks and side effects.