Current decision-making in meningiomas

Abstract

The incidence of meningiomas is rising and the number of incidental cases is increasing steadily. The efficiency and the safety of each treatment strategy are also improving over time. Therefore the indications to treat meningiomas are constantly changing. The aim of meningioma treatment is keeping the patient fully functional while achieving long-term relief or prevention from problems related to intracranial tumor growth. This chapter reviews the natural history and treatment results and aims to put together the information for the most objective decision-making in treating meningiomas. Factors acting on the treatment decision such as anatomical localization, symptomatology, variations in tumor biology, recurrence status, age and co-morbidities, operative gains, and patient preference are individually discussed.

Keywords: Elderly; Incidental; Meningioma; Natural history.