malignant meningioma
ma·lig·nant me·nin·gi·o·ma
malignant meningioma
A rare, aggressive meningeal tumour of brain and spinal cord.Clinical findings
Headaches, new onset seizures, focal weakness, mental changes, unusual behaviour, urinary incontinence, anosmia, cranial nerve defects, decreased vision, contralateral hemianopsia, hearing loss, spinal pain.
Management
Medical management is useless; some meningiomas have increased fatty acid synthesis, which might provide a therapeutic handle in the distant future; surgery is indicated for meningiomas likely to continue growing (tumours with greatest growth potential lack calcification, are hyperintense in T2 by MRI, and have peritumoral oedema).
Prognosis
65% 5-year survival; 35% 10-year survival.