Meningioma

A rare, noncancerous tumour of the meninges of the brain that arises from the arachnoid mater (middle layer) and usually becomes attached to the dura mater (outer layer). The tumour slowly expands and may become very large before any symptoms appear. Symptoms can include headache, vomiting, and impaired mental function. There may also be speech loss or visual disturbance. If the tumour invades the skull bone, there may be thickening and bulging of the skull. Meningiomas can be detected by X-ray or CT scanning, and MRI of the skull, and can often be completely removed by surgery. Otherwise, treatment is by radiotherapy.