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Meningioma services offered in Katy, TX
Meningioma is a tumor, usually benign, that grows in the layer of tissue covering the brain and spinal cord. Sadia Yasser, MD, and the team at Advanced Neurology of Katy diagnose and monitor meningiomas and refer patients to specialists like neurosurgeons when appropriate. Treatment for a meningioma depends on where and how big the tumor is. Call the office in Katy, Texas, today or book an appointment online.
What is a meningioma?
A meningioma is an abnormal growth in the meninges, the protective tissue layer surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Meningiomas most often affect the brain but can also grow in the spine.
Most meningiomas aren’t cancerous, meaning they don’t cause cancer. However, some forms are cancerous, growing quickly and invading other parts of the body.
What are the grades of meningioma?
The neurologists at Advanced Neurology of Katy classify meningiomas into grades based on the tumor’s characteristics. Meningioma grades include:
Grade 1
Most meningiomas are grade 1, also called typical meningiomas. These types of tumors grow slowly and are benign.
Grade 2
Grade 2 meningiomas, also called atypical, are noncancerous tumors that grow quickly and are more difficult to treat.
Grade 3
Grade 3 meningiomas are malignant (cancerous). They grow and spread quickly but are very rare.
What are the symptoms of a meningioma?
Not everyone with a meningioma has symptoms. The tumor’s size and location determine which symptoms you’ll have.
Common meningioma symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Vision changes
- Seizures
- Memory problems
- Nausea and vomiting
Depending on where the tumor is, you could experience changes in your sense of smell or your ability to move.
How is a meningioma diagnosed?
The Advanced Neurology of Katy team performs thorough physical and neurological exams when you come in with symptoms that sound like a meningioma. They review your symptoms and medical history and complete physical and neurological exams.
They also do imaging tests, like a CT scan or MRI, to confirm that you have a tumor and determine where and how big it is. To determine if the tumor is malignant, you’ll also need a biopsy, where surgeons take a tissue sample for a lab to analyze.
How is meningioma treated?
Treatment for a meningioma depends on the tumor’s type, size, and location. In most cases, the team at Advanced Neurology of Katy takes a wait-and-see approach since most meningiomas grow slowly.
However, if you have a large tumor that’s affecting your quality of life or a cancerous tumor, the team refers you to a neurosurgeon.
Call Advanced Neurology of Katy today or book an appointment online to learn more about diagnosing and treating a meningioma.