Meningiomas are one of the most common primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors and account for up to 20% of all intracranial tumors (Mashhadi et al., 2019). Meningiomas are a benign slow-growing tumor derived from the meninges and are typically located in the intracranial space. They are most often found in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, but can also be found in the spine (Kanner, 2017).
Clinical presentation of meningiomas can vary depending on the location and size of the tumor. Common symptoms include headaches, seizures, visual disturbances, cranial nerve deficits, and cognitive impairments (Kanner, 2017). Diagnosis is typically made by imaging such as MRI or CT scan. Treatment of meningiomas can range from surgical resection to radiation therapy (Ahmed et al., 2016).
Meningiomas have been linked to various risk factors including age, family history, genetics, sex, and race. The average age of diagnosis is 55-60 years old, with a slight female predominance (Ahmed et al., 2016). Family history is also an important risk factor, with an estimated 20-25% of meningioma cases being linked to a positive family history (Hayat et al., 2018). Genetics is also an important factor, with several gene mutations being associated with the development of meningiomas. Mutations in the ACVR1 gene have been linked to familial meningiomas, whereas mutations in the SMO and NF2 genes have been linked to sporadic meningiomas (Mashhadi et al., 2019).
In conclusion, meningiomas are a common primary CNS tumor with a wide range of clinical presentations. Risk factors for meningiomas include age, family history, genetics, sex, and race. Diagnosis is typically made by imaging, and treatment options range from surgical resection to radiation therapy.
References
Ahmed, M., Marlow, M., & Chaudhary, S. (2016). Epidemiology of meningiomas and their risk factors: a review. Surgical Neurology International, 7(1), 56.
Hayat, M. A., Sunkara, S., & Yates, A. M. (2018). Meningiomas: epidemiology, clinical features, and treatments. Biomedicines, 6(3), 77.
Kanner, A. A. (2017). Meningiomas. Continuum Lifelong Learning Neurol, 23(4), 937-952.
Mashhadi, M., Salari, S., Kazemi, M., & Ghadimi, F. (2019). Meningiomas: Epidemiology, Molecular Pathogenesis, and Treatment. Journal of Cellular Physiology, 234(12), 21654-21665.