Meningioma in Arlington, VA

Name: Meningioma
Brand: Virginia Neurosurgeons
Rating: 4.7 (23 reviews)

A meningioma refers to a type of tumor that originates in the tissue covering the brain and spinal cord. While it might seem daunting, effective treatment options exist and understanding this condition is crucial.

What is a Meningioma?

A meningioma arises from the meninges, the protective layers enveloping the brain and spinal cord. These tumors are generally slow-growing and often benign, originating from the arachnoid cells of the meninges. While many meningiomas may not cause immediate symptoms, they can potentially lead to issues if they grow and exert pressure on surrounding brain structures. Seeking timely treatment through Virginia Neurosurgeons is essential for a comprehensive evaluation and tailored care plan to address meningiomas effectively.

Virginia Neurosurgeons for Effective Meningioma Treatment

Virginia Neurosurgeons combine extensive experience with cutting-edge techniques to stay at the forefront of techniques for the treatment of conditions such as meningioma. Founded in Arlington in 2001, our practice stands as a leader in neurosurgery in Northern Virginia, offering comprehensive and academic-level care. With a commitment to ethical and honest practices, our board-certified neurosurgeons prioritize patient well-being. Our expertise, gained from prestigious academic institutions, allows us to develop treatment plans for individual needs, ensuring the preservation or restoration of neurologic function and the reduction of pain.

Our goal is to bring hope, happiness, and relief to patients, offering surgery only when it will result in a clinically meaningful benefit. With a focus on compassionate care and open communication, Virginia Neurosurgeons guides patients through understanding their condition and the best treatment options available.

The Nature of Meningiomas

Meningioma pathology encompasses various growth patterns that influence its behavior. This class of tumors can show multiple patterns simultaneously, influencing their behavior and response to treatment. Our comprehensive approach considers these nuances for a tailored treatment plan.

Syncytial/Transitional:

This pattern involves tightly packed cells, forming a cohesive growth, often appearing like a synchronized unit.

Fibroblastic:

Marked by spindle-shaped cells resembling fibroblasts, this pattern may suggest a more infiltrative nature, with cells that spread out.

Meningothelial:

Cells arranged in a swirl-like pattern define meningothelial meningiomas, the most common variant, giving it a distinct appearance.

Psammomatous:

This pattern involves the creation of psammoma bodies and concentrically layered calcifications, creating a texture similar to sand.

Angiomatous:

Dominated by blood vessels, angiomatous meningiomas have a distinctive vascular component, highlighting their blood vessel-rich nature.

Secretory:

These tumors produce mucin or other substances, often forming cystic spaces within the tumor, akin to fluid-filled pockets.

Benign and Malignant Meningiomas

Benign meningiomas, while non-cancerous, can cause symptoms by pressing on surrounding brain tissue. While meningiomas are usually benign, there is a rare subset that is more aggressive. We will discuss your diagnosis with you and walk you through the potential next steps in care if you have a more aggressive subset.

Benign Meningiomas:

Slow Growth: Benign meningiomas typically exhibit slow and gradual growth, allowing for a better prognosis and often a more straightforward management.
Encapsulation: They are usually encapsulated, meaning they have a distinct boundary that separates them from surrounding brain tissue.
Low Malignancy: Unlike malignant tumors, benign meningiomas do not invade nearby tissues aggressively.
Biological Effects: Benign meningiomas may disrupt normal function by pressing on surrounding tissues, leading to a range of symptoms depending on their location.

Malignant Meningiomas:

Increased Growth Rate: Malignant meningiomas, in contrast to their benign counterparts, tend to grow more rapidly, which can contribute to a more challenging treatment process.
Invasive Nature: Unlike benign meningiomas that are encapsulated, malignant ones may display invasive behavior, meaning they can infiltrate and affect surrounding brain tissues.
Potential for Recurrence: Malignant meningiomas have a higher likelihood of recurrence after treatment compared to benign ones, necessitating ongoing monitoring and management.

Arlington Meningioma Treatments

Meningioma treatments in Arlington, VA, vary depending on the characteristics of the tumor. While surgical treatment aims to achieve the maximum safe resection (tissue removal) and improve quality of life, the choice depends on the tumor's location, size, and overall health considerations.

Observation: Some meningiomas, especially slow-growing and asymptomatic ones, may be monitored over time without immediate intervention.

Medication: In certain cases, medications such as steroids or anti-seizure medication may be prescribed to manage symptoms.

Surgery: Surgical removal is a common approach for meningiomas. This involves removing the tumor while preserving surrounding healthy tissue.

Radiation Therapy and Stereotactic Radiosurgery: Targeted radiation may be performed on small tumors or if there is a residual or recurrent tumor.

Advanced Techniques: Our neurosurgeons may use cutting-edge technologies like:

Neuromonitoring: Neuromonitoring techniques may be utilized to increase surgical safety by continuously assessing the health of vital brain structures during the resection.
Stereotactic navigation: Detailed, 3D imaging of the patient’s brain and tumor is linked to the surgeons position and movement to allow for real time feedback and precise localization of surgical instruments throughout the operation.
Microscopic Surgery: Utilization of advanced surgical microscopes allow for performing delicate microsurgery under high magnification, increasing surgical success and patient safety.
Ultrasonic Surgery: Specialized surgical instruments that deliver high frequency vibrations to the tumor allow enhancing resection without damaging nearby brain tissue.

Looking for the Best in Meningioma Diagnosis and Treatment in Northern Virginia?

Schedule a consultation with us at Virginia Neurosurgeons today to explore personalized meningioma diagnosis and treatment options to help ensure the best possible outcome for your health.