Meningioma

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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A meningioma is a tumor that starts in the meninges of the brain and spinal cord. The meninges are the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord. They prevent germs and other substances from entering the brain and spinal cord. Most meningiomas are slow-growing and benign (not cancer).

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

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is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.

Medicines:

• Antibiotics are given to treat or prevent a bacterial infection.
• Anticonvulsants are given to control seizures.
• Antinausea medicine is given to reduce nausea and vomiting.
• Blood thinners help prevent blood clots. Blood thinners may be given before, during, and after a surgery or procedure. Blood thinners make it more likely for you to bleed or bruise.
• Pain medicine may be given. Do not wait until the pain is severe before you ask for more medicine.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Tests:

You may be given contrast liquid before any of the following tests to help the tumor show up better in pictures. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid.

• An x-ray, ultrasound, CT, or MRI will show the location of the tumor. Do not enter the MRI room with anything metal. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell the healthcare provider if you have any metal in or on your body.
• An angiogram is used to check the blood vessels supplying the tumor.

Treatment:

• Surgery may be done to remove the tumor.
• Endovascular embolization is a procedure to reduce or stop blood flow to the meningioma and decrease its size. Your healthcare provider will insert a catheter into a blood vessel that goes to your brain. When the artery that is supplying the meningioma is reached, a coil or glue is injected to block blood flow to the tumor.
• Hormone therapy may help to decrease the size of tumors that need estrogen for growth.
• Radiation therapy uses high energy x-ray beams to kill tumor cells and decrease the size of the tumor.
• Chemotherapy is used to kill tumor cells.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• lomustine
• Gleostine
• Gliadel
• CeeNU
• BiCNU

RISKS:

Even with treatment, your meningioma may spread or return.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

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