Therapy
The radical surgical removal of the tumor leads to the healing of the patient and is therefore the method of first choice. Even in the case of a relapse, the focus is on repeat surgery. The indication for surgical removal of the tumor is usually given.
A total removal of the tumor is desirable. No tumor cells should be left behind, as there is then a risk of recurrence. If only a part of the tumor tissue could be removed, in certain types of meningioma surgery is followed by irradiation (radiotherapy) of the affected area to stop further growth. If the tumor is inoperable, embolization (occlusion) of the vessels supplying the tumor can be considered.
Complications
Complications can include malignant degeneration of the menigeoma, i.e. the tumor can develop from benign to malignant. If the tumor has been present for a long time, it may spread (metastasize) to other organs. The surgical complications are injuries to other regions of the brain. Recurrences (new tumors) are also to be expected if the meningioma is not removed sufficiently.
Prophylaxis
A measure for the prevention of meningiomas is not known until today. However, unnecessary or frequent irradiation should generally be avoided.
Prognosis
The prognosis after surgical removal of the tumor is very good. However, the prognosis basically depends on the outcome of the operation: “Could the entire tumor be removed? If the entire tumor is removed, the recurrence rate – i.e. the probability that the tumor will return – is 15%.
In 15% of the cases the tumor will come back. In general, the tumor has a rather good prognosis due to its slow growth. Often a long-term observation is sufficient.
