A meningioma arising along the front of the sella turcica and above the pituitary gland on the sphenoid bone in the midline; these typically benign tumors cause gradual visual loss from optic nerve and optic chiasm compression. Primary treatment is by endonasal or supra-orbital craniotomy removal. Learn more.

Meningiomas are the most common benign brain tumor although up to 5% can be aggressive or malignant. They arise from arachnoidal cap cells in the brain coverings (meninges). They are more common in women than men and can occur in all ages but are typically seen in middle-aged and older adults. Meningiomas may arise from any meningial surface and are typically attached to the dura (outer layer of the meninges). Common locations include the convexity of the calvarium, frontal fossa (olfactory groove), tuberculum sella, sphenoid wing and the area around the jugular foramen in the posterior fossa.

Meningiomas may produce a variety of symptoms depending upon their location.

Meningiomas that arise in the midline from the area above and in front of the pituitary gland and sella (the tuberculum sella and planum sphenoidale), typically cause progressive visual loss from optic nerve and chiasm compression. They may also cause headache, double vision and loss of pituitary function.

Meningiomas that arise in the midline under the frontal lobe in the area called the olfactory groove typically cause headache, seizures and/or personality changes.

Meningiomas that arise over the surface of the frontal, temporal, parietal or occipital lobes may cause a variety of symptoms including headache, seizures, visual loss, double vision, weakness, fatigue, difficulty walking, confusion and personality changes.

Meningiomas that arise in the posterior fossa along the side of the cerebellum or brainstem (so-called petro-clival meningiomas) or at the skull base where the spinal cord begins, may cause difficulty walking, in-coordination, numbness, hearing loss, double vision, difficulty swallowing, urinary incontinence, headache and neck pain.

Meningiomas are best diagnosed by an MRI of the brain with gadolinium, or by a CT scan of the brain with contrast. Depending upon the location, a focused MRI of the pituitary region, temporal bones, internal auditory canals or orbits may be indicated to obtain better anatomical detail of a meningioma. Other tests may also be needed such as angiography (a CT angiogram or an MR angiogram), visual field tests, an audiogram or hormonal tests. 

Surgery: Symptomatic meningiomas are typically treated by surgical removal. The approach used depends upon the tumor location and may include a craniotomy (convexity, temporal, supra-orbital or retro-mastoid) or an expanded endonasal approach (EEA). Minimally invasive removal of many meningiomas is now possible either by the EEA route (hyperlink), supra-orbital (eyebrow) craniotomy or retro-mastoid craniotomy or the route. Drs. Kassam and Kelly have been two of the pioneers in removing suprasellar and frontal fossa meningiomas through an expanded endonasal approach with the operating microscope and endoscopic assistance. The advantage of this approach over a transcranial approach is that brain retraction is not necessary and manipulation of the optic nerves and chiasm is minimized. However, for larger tumors (over 3 or 4 cms) or those that extend far off the midline, the supra-orbital eyebrow craniotomy is an excellent minimally invasive approach. With either approach, vision typically improves and pituitary hormonal function is usually preserved.

Radiosurgery (SRS) or Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SRT): Meningiomas cannot be completely removed in up to 20-25% of cases. With incomplete removal or if a tumor re-grows stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) or stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), are often needed to halt further tumor growth. The tumor control rate with SRS or SRT is quite high with over 90% of patients having no further tumor growth. Complications of SRS or SRT such as visual loss or brain injury are rare.