BVS Doctors

Meningioma (Brain Membrane Tumor)

Meningioma is the most common benign (non-cancerous) brain tumor; it arises from the membranes covering the brain, not the brain tissue itself. Most grow slowly and a good number are found incidentally and simply watched — not every meningioma needs surgery.

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What it is and when it causes symptoms

It grows from the membranes (meninges) and can press on the neighboring brain. Symptoms depend on location: headache, seizures, weakness, visual changes or memory problems. Most small meningiomas are asymptomatic and found incidentally on an MRI done for another reason.

Surveillance or treatment?

For a small, asymptomatic meningioma, follow-up with periodic MRI is often the right choice. Treatment is considered when the tumor causes symptoms, grows, or presses on critical structures. Size alone does not decide — what matters is whether it causes symptoms and how much it presses on the brain.

Surgery and Gamma Knife

When treatment is needed, microsurgical removal aims for complete resection while protecting surrounding structures; neuronavigation and the microscope improve precision. For small tumors or those in hard-to-operate areas, radiosurgery (Gamma Knife) can be an alternative or complement.

After treatment

After complete removal most patients do well; they are followed with control MRIs because a portion can recur over the years. The follow-up plan is set according to the tumor's pathological grade.

FAQ

Is meningioma cancer?

Most are benign (not cancer) and grow slowly; a minority are atypical or malignant and are watched more closely.

Does it always need surgery?

No. Small, asymptomatic meningiomas are usually followed with periodic MRI.

Gamma Knife or surgery?

It depends on size and location; both can be suitable and are assessed individually.

How does the process work if I come to Turkey?

You send your MRI on WhatsApp; after evaluation, dates, accommodation and the process are planned.

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