Types of Meningioma

There are several types of meningiomas. Doctors classify them based on where they form in the brain:

• Convexity meningiomas grow on the brain’s surface. Tumors may not trigger symptoms until they become large enough to press on the brain.
• Falcine and parasgittal meningiomas form in or near the very thin layer of tissue between the two sides (hemispheres) of the brain.
• Intraventricular meningiomas form in the part of the brain that produces and distributes spinal fluid.
• Skull-base meningiomas form in the bones in the bottom of the skull or in the boney ridge behind the eyes.
• Sphenoid wing meningiomas form in the skull base behind the eyes.
• Olfactory groove meningiomas form along the nerves that run between the brain and the nose. They can cause loss of smell and grow large enough to affect vision.
• Posterior fossa/petrous meningiomas form on the underside of the brain and pressure the trigeminal nerve, triggering a condition called trigeminal neuralgia.
• Suprasellar meningiomas originate in the base of the skull near the pituitary gland and optic nerve. They commonly trigger vision and pituitary problems.
• Recurrent meningiomas are any meningiomas that return after treatment. They may share the same characteristics as the initial meningioma or may act more aggressively.