Meningioma

Diagnosis, monitoring, and surgical treatment of meningiomas in Lahore, Pakistan

What is a Meningioma?

A meningioma is a tumor that arises from the meninges — the three protective layers of tissue that surround the brain and spinal cord. Meningiomas are the most common type of primary brain tumor, and the large majority are benign, slow-growing, and highly treatable.

Because they grow slowly, many meningiomas are discovered incidentally when a person has a brain scan for an unrelated reason, such as a headache work-up or after a head injury. Others cause symptoms because of their size or location — for example, pressing on the brain, a cranial nerve, or the spinal cord.

Dr. Waqas Mehdi, FCPS Neurosurgeon at MidCity Hospital Lahore, evaluates newly diagnosed meningiomas, advises on whether monitoring or surgery is appropriate, and performs microsurgical removal for those requiring treatment.

Symptoms of a Meningioma

!Headaches, often gradually worsening

!Seizures

!Vision changes or double vision

!Weakness in an arm or leg

!Loss of smell (for tumors near the frontal skull base)

!Hearing loss or facial numbness (for skull base tumors)

!Personality or memory changes

!Many meningiomas cause no symptoms and are found incidentally

Diagnosis

MRI Brain with Contrast: The key diagnostic test — meningiomas have a very characteristic appearance on contrast MRI, including the classic "dural tail" sign, which helps distinguish them from other tumor types.

CT Scan: Useful for assessing whether the tumor has caused any bone changes (hyperostosis) or calcification, and for surgical planning near the skull.

Serial Imaging (for monitored tumors): Repeat MRI at defined intervals to track growth rate in small, asymptomatic meningiomas being managed conservatively.

Treatment Options

Observation (Watch and Scan)

For small, asymptomatic meningiomas found incidentally, especially in older patients or those with tumors in surgically difficult locations. Repeat MRI at 6-12 month intervals tracks any growth.

Microsurgical Removal

The primary treatment for symptomatic or growing meningiomas. Performed under the operating microscope, aiming for complete removal of the tumor and its attachment to the meninges, which offers the best chance of a permanent cure.

Endoscopic / Minimally Invasive Approaches

For select skull-base meningiomas, keyhole or endonasal endoscopic approaches can reduce brain retraction and speed recovery compared to traditional open craniotomy.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery

An option for small meningiomas in high-risk locations, residual tumor after surgery, or patients unfit for surgery — delivers focused radiation while sparing surrounding brain tissue.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a meningioma?

A meningioma is a tumor arising from the meninges — the layers of tissue that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord. The vast majority (roughly 85-90%) of meningiomas are benign (WHO Grade I), growing slowly over years.

Who treats meningiomas in Lahore?

Dr. Waqas Mehdi, FCPS Neurosurgeon and Assistant Professor at KEMU/Mayo Hospital, Lahore, manages meningiomas from initial diagnosis and monitoring through to microsurgical or endoscopic removal when indicated.

Does every meningioma need surgery?

No. Many small, asymptomatic meningiomas found incidentally on a scan can simply be monitored with periodic MRI, since they often grow very slowly or not at all. Surgery is considered when the tumor is causing symptoms, is growing on serial scans, or is in a high-risk location.

Is a meningioma cancer?

Most meningiomas are benign, not cancerous, and do not spread to other parts of the body. A small proportion are atypical (Grade II) or malignant (Grade III) and may need additional treatment such as radiotherapy after surgery.

What is the recovery like after meningioma surgery?

Recovery depends on the tumor's size, location, and the surgical approach used. Straightforward convexity meningiomas often allow patients to return to light activity within a few weeks, while tumors in deeper or more complex locations may require a longer recovery period.

Newly Diagnosed with a Meningioma?

Consult Dr. Waqas Mehdi for a clear, individualised explanation of your MRI and the right next steps — whether that means monitoring or surgery. MidCity Hospital, Lahore — Mon to Sat, 6–8 PM.

Call: 0300-8482624 Book Appointment

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Pakistan's trusted neurosurgeon for brain tumor surgery, spine surgery, and all complex neurological conditions. Book your appointment at MidCity Hospital, Lahore.

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