Grades of Meningioma

While doctors typically categorize brain tumors into 4 grades, meningiomas are classified into only 3. Doctors determine the grade based on the cells’ appearance under a microscope.

The grades of meningiomas are:

• Grade 1 meningioma (benign): Cells look the least abnormal. Most benign meningiomas are successfully treated with surgery.
• Grade 2 meningioma (invasive or atypical): Cells look a bit more abnormal. These tumors are more likely to grow and spread into surrounding tissue.
• Grade 3 meningioma (anaplastic): Cells look the most abnormal. Such tumors typically grow quickly and are the most likely to return after treatment.