National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Spinal meningioma


Other Names:
Meningioma, spine
Categories:
Spinal meningioma is a rare type of spinal cord cancer.  The spinal cord is part of the central nervous system. This tumor often affects middle-aged women.[1] Tumors of the spinal cord can be either primary or arise from other primary tumors (metastatic), and are typically slow growing. The initial signs and symptoms include headache and recent onset of seizures. Other features are motor deficits, sensory deficits, pain, and sphincter dysfunction. The thoracic spine (middle back) is the most common site, followed by the cervical spine (neck). These tumors are rarely seen in the lumbar region (lower back).[2][3][4] The only proven risk factor in the development of meningioma is exposure to ionizing radiation. Also, patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 are at increased risk of developing meningioma. Surgery is the treatment of choice and complete tumor removal is reached in the vast majority of patients. The prognosis after surgical resection is excellent.[3][4][5] 
Last updated: 11/15/2016

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Spinal meningioma. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

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  1. Gottfired ON, Gluf W, Quinones-Hinojosa A, Kan P & Schmidt MH. Spinal Meningiomas: Surgical Management and Outcome. Neurosurg Focus. 2003; 14(6)::http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/457739_4.
  2. Zee CS. Imaging in Spinal Meningioma.. Medscape Reference. July 14, 2015; http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/341870-overview#a1.
  3. Gaillard F & cols. Spinal meningioma. Radiopaedia.org. https://radiopaedia.org/articles/spinal-meningioma.
  4. Shih HA. Patient education: Meningioma (Beyond the Basics). November 30, 2015; http://www.uptodate.com/contents/meningioma-beyond-the-basics.
  5. Fung KM. Meningiomas Pathology. Medscape Reference. April 21, 2014; http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1744164-overview#a11.