Skull Base Meniginoma

[pyum23]

I have a Meniginoma located at the base of my skull. I was diagnosised in 2008. The size of the tumour has increased since then. The Neurosurgeon I sought, for a second opinion  gave me three options including surgery up through the nose which would involve drilling through the skull base ( A Transphenoidal ) !

The second choice is Craniotomy and the third is a Radiation Therapy .

My Question for you is, What are the pros and cons of opting for Radiation Therapy? Is it better to do 3 full doses or 30 smaller consecutive dosed for 30 days?

Any Expert Advice or New Scientific Research to help me make the most educated decision  would be greatly appriciated!

[Daniel M Prevedello, MD]

There are skull base meningiomas that are better accessed by a craniotomy and others through an endonasal approach.
It depends on the relationship with the cranial nerves.
Both approaches can be very safe with a fast recovery. And of course there are risks in any procedure.
Let me know if you want me to review your films.
Thank you

[Lukieswifey]

My husband actually had the same exact kind of brain tumor and his doctor chose to do surgery ( craniotomy ) and got every bit of it but still wants to do an MRI every 3 months to make sure there is no regrowth. His surgery lasted about 3 hours and he was in the hospital for 2 days and released. His tumor was the size of a small grape fruit.

[Daniel M Prevedello, MD]

Dear Pyum23

It really depends on how close to the optic nerves the lesion is and its size. It is difficult to give a formal opinion without seeing the imaging in this case. Each modality of treatment has pros and cons. I could review the films free of charge if you want. The other factor that is important in the decision is your health and age.
I would not favor radiation in a young person if it is a meningioma that can be removed surgically based on the location. As well as I would not favor large surgery in a severely Ill patient.