Meningioma: Meaning in a Radiology Report

A meningioma is a usually benign, slow-growing tumor of the membranes that cover the brain. Many are found by chance and simply watched.

What it means

The brain and spinal cord are wrapped in thin layers called the meninges. A meningioma grows from cells in these layers, so it presses on the brain from outside rather than growing into it. On MRI it usually looks like a smooth, rounded mass attached to the brain's covering that brightens evenly after contrast. Some contain calcium.

When it matters

Meningiomas are among the most common tumors inside the skull, and most are benign. Small ones without symptoms are often watched with repeat MRI to check for growth. Doctors look more closely when one is large, growing, causing swelling in nearby brain or pressing on nerves. Your doctor may then suggest seeing a neurosurgeon to discuss options such as surgery or radiation. A minority are more aggressive and grow faster.

Questions to ask your doctor

How big is it, and is it pressing on the brain or any nerves?
When should I have my next MRI to check for growth?
Does it look typical for a meningioma, or are there unusual features?

General information, not medical advice. What a finding means for you depends on your symptoms, your history and the images themselves, so talk your results through with a doctor.