Meningioma: Causes and Risk Factors - Verywell Health

Meningioma is a type of tumor that starts in the brain or spinal cord. It is considered the most common brain tumor. Most meningiomas are slow growing and benign (noncancerous), but some can be more aggressive and are considered malignant (cancerous)

Mutations (changes to genes) are one of the main causes of cancer. This article will explain more about the causes and risk factors of getting a meningioma.

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Common Causes  

Although researchers are still studying the exact cause of a meningioma, they know that mutations cause cells to grow out of control and form a tumor. In meningiomas, the tumor starts in the meninges, which are membranes (layers of tissues) that surround the spinal cord and brain.

Genetics

Genetics may affect your chances of having meningioma. It may be possible for you to inherit mutations that cause this tumor. Researchers are still exploring the mutations seen in meningioma tumors.

Risk Factors

There are genetic conditions that increase your risk of brain tumors. You are more likely to get a meningioma if you have:

  • Monosomy 22: This is a rare disorder that causes the deletion of all or part of chromosome 22. 
  • Neurofibromatosis type 2: This inherited disorder affects the nervous system and causes tumors to develop on nerves.
  • Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome: This rare disorder causes tumors to grow in many organs.
  • Turcot syndrome: This rare disorder causes growths to develop in the colon and rectum in addition to tumors in the brain.
  • Li-Fraumeni syndrome: This rare disorder increases the risk of developing a meningioma, including multiple meningiomas.

Other risk factors for meningiomas include:

  • Exposure to high levels of radiation: Survivors of the atomic bombings at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, during World War II, people who underwent radiation therapy used to treat brain cancer, and people treated with radiation in childhood for tinea capitis (scalp ringworm) have an increased risk of brain tumor.
  • Sex: Females are more likely to have a meningioma than males. Meningioma tumors often have sex hormone receptors, which may factor into the difference in risk.
  • Other factors: A study found that low physical activity, increased body mass index (BMI, an indication of being overweight or obese), taller height, and history of uterine fibroids can raise the risk in older women.

Summary

Meningioma is a type of tumor that affects the brain and spinal cord. Mutations cause changes to cells and make them grow out of control, and they can form tumors, including meningiomas. Genetics and other risk factors may play a role in causing this type of tumor.

A Word From Verywell

Determining the exact cause of your meningioma is difficult and often not possible. It is important to remember that you cannot control all risk factors for brain tumors, so you should not blame yourself for having a meningioma. In addition, researchers are still trying to figure out the role of genetics in the developiment of this type of tumor. 

If you have a meningioma, consider joining in-person or virtual brain tumor support groups. There are many options for groups, so you have a variety to choose from and connect with others who are dealing with cancer. Ask your doctor about local support groups if you are struggling to find one. Many hospitals have started groups for patients and their loved ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes, it is possible for meningiomas to return after treatment. This may happen even if the original tumor was removed completely. Sometimes the meningioma returns and forms in the same spot as the original tumor.

  • Although it is possible that some genetic mutations that cause meningiomas can be inherited, researchers are still studying this. If you have a meningioma, it does not guarantee that your children or grandchildren will have it. However, certain inherited genetic conditions increase the risk of developing a meningioma.

  • Researchers do not know if it is possible to prevent meningioma. You may not be able to lower your risk of having a brain tumor, but you can make sure to have regular medical exams to catch problems sooner. Early diagnosis can lead to faster treatment and better outcomes.

  • At this time, there is no evidence that shows a link between cell phone use and risk for meningiomas. Researchers have not determined if the risk of having a meningioma increases by using a cell phone. They also have not found a connection with other wireless devices.

  • Head injuries do not appear to increase the risk of meningiomas. The severity of a head injury also does not have an impact on the chances of having a brain tumor.

  • Meningiomas are considered the most common type of brain tumor. An estimated 36% of all brain tumors in the United States are meningiomas. About 20,000 new meningiomas are diagnosed every year. Meningiomas can affect males and females and tend to be more common among older adults.

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