Re: INFO

[http://dummy.us.eu.org/robert (Robert)]

 > From: http://www.juno.com/~margaretch
 > Date: Wed, 29 Dec 2004 11:41:47 -0500
 >
 > MY BRIAN NOT ON dRUGS...UNFORTUNATLEY:

Well, it's good that your Brian is not on drugs. :-)

I assume that your health insurance covers this procedure.

 > A meningioma is a type of meningeal tumor.  Meningeal tumors arise from
 > the thin layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord, rather
 > from the actual brain tissue.  Most meningiomas are benign, slow-growing
 > tumors.  They often grow inward exerting pressure on the brain and spinal
 > cord.  In other cases, they grow outward and cause the skull to thicken. 
 > Meningiomas may contain cysts, mineral deposits, or clusters of blood
 > vessels. The most common sites include the coverings located near the top
 > of the brain, the outer curve of the brain, and the skull base. 
 > 
 > Meningiomas account for about 15%-20% of all primary brain tumors.  They
 > are most likely to be diagnosed in adults older than 60 years.  Incidence
 > seems to increase with age, and they occur about twice as frequently in
 > women as in men.  They rarely occur in children.
 > 
 > Tumor Classification  Meningiomas are often classified by tumor grade:
 >     Benign:  Contain cells well-differentiated cell types (resembling
 > normal cells) that tend to grow slowly.  About 80% of meningiomas are
 > benign.
 >     Atypical:  Contain proliferating cells that are faster growing and
 > more likely to grow back after treatment.  Because these cells may grow
 > back after a seemingly complete resection, atypical tumors should be
 > followed closely.  Represent about 10-20% of meningiomas.
 >     Malignant (or anaplastic):  Contain poorly differentiated cell forms
 > that often grow back rapidly.  These are rare, but can be very aggressive
 > and difficult to treat.  Represent 1-2% of meningiomas.
 > Meningiomas may also be classified by type of cell.  For example:
 > 
 >     * Syncytial meningioma refers to meningiomas that consist of cells
 > that are unusually plump in type.
 >     * Fibroblastic meningioma refers to meningiomas that consist of cells
 > that are long and thin in shape.
 >     * Transitional meningiomas refers to meningiomas that consist of
 > cells that are of both cell types.
 > Meningiomas may also be classified by location of tumor.  For example:
 >     * Parasagittal meningioma refers to a meningioma that is located near
 > the sagittal sinus, a major blood vessel near the top of cerebral
 > hemisphere.
 > Symptoms
 > Meningiomas are usually slow growing, but may grow to a large size before
 > symptoms appear.  Symptoms vary depending on the tumor?s location, and
 > often begin with headache or arm/leg weakness due to pressure on the
 > brain from the growing tumor.  Seizures, personality change, and visual
 > problems are other possible symptoms.  Pain, weakness, and/or loss of
 > feeling in the arms or legs are common symptoms of spinal cord
 > meningioma.
 > Diagnosis
 > A neurological exam, MRI, and CT scan are among the diagnostic tests used
 > to help determine tumor location, size, and probable type.  The exact
 > diagnosis requires a surgical biopsy or excision to remove a sample of
 > the tumor tissue for examination.
 > Treatment
 > Surgery is the primary treatment for meningiomas.  The goals of surgery
 > are to obtain tumor tissue for exact diagnosis and to remove as much of
 > the tumor as safely possible. Some meningiomas, although benign, can be
 > difficult to treat because they are located in areas that are difficult
 > to reach or functionally sensitive.  Radiation is often used for
 > inoperable tumors or tumors that are not completely removed by surgery,
 > as well as for malignant tumors and recurrent tumors.  Conventional
 > external beam radiation (?standard radiation?) may be used alone or in
 > conjunction with ?local radiation? (such as stereotactic radiosurgery and
 > intensity modulated radiation therapy).
 > Medications may also be prescribed to treat symptoms of the tumor. Your
 > physician can discuss the likelihood of your particular tumor
 > reoccurring.
 >