What is a spinal meningioma?

The brain and spinal cord are covered in a tough, protective layer of membrane-like tissues known as the meninges.  These membranes have a protective function while also providing a strong anchor for the brain and spinal cord to the surrounding bony structures. Spinal meningiomas describe the type of spinal tumors that originate from the meninges. These types of tumors are most commonly benign (noncancerous), slow-growing, and found in the thoracic (middle) section of the spine. Dr. Brenton Pennicooke, MD, spinal tumor specialist, treats patients in Saint Louis, and surrounding cities in St. Louis, St. Peters, Creve Coeur and the surrounding cities in St. Louis County, and St. Charles County, Missouri, who are experiencing symptoms associated with a spinal meningioma.

What causes a spinal meningioma?

Spinal meningiomas are caused by abnormal cells that grow rapidly and accumulate together. The exact cause of spinal meningiomas is not fully understood. However, exposure to radiation, hereditary factors, exposure to certain chemicals, and certain genetic conditions may increase the likelihood an individual develops a spinal meningioma.

What are the symptoms of a spinal meningioma?

As spinal meningiomas grow, pressure is placed on the spinal cord, which results in the symptoms of this type of tumor. Symptoms may vary based on the location of the spinal meningioma and what structures are being compressed. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Pain at the location of the tumor
  • Muscle weakness
  • Numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the arms and or legs
  • Loss of bowel and or bladder control

Symptoms may initially present as mild but can increase in severity as the spinal meningioma grows. Also, some patients may never develop any symptoms at all.

How are spinal meningiomas diagnosed?

The most important component of diagnosing spinal meningiomas is diagnostic imaging testing. Dr. Pennicooke may order an MRI or CT scan, which will allow him to gain more information regarding the location and size of a spinal meningioma. He will also have a detailed conversation with each patient regarding their symptoms and concerns to aid in his diagnosis. If Dr. Pennicooke finds that removal of the spinal canal mass is needed, he will send the cells of the tumor for further analysis, which will firmly establish the diagnosis.

What is the treatment for a spinal meningioma?

Non-surgical treatment:

  • Observation: Some spinal meningiomas are small and do not cause the patient to experience any harm or symptoms. In these cases, Dr. Pennicooke may decide to observe the tumor over time. This involves having diagnostic imaging scans taken over a period of years to watch the tumor to ensure it does not grow or begin to cause symptoms.
  • Some tumors may be very difficult to remove surgically in their entirety. In these cases, radiation therapy may be recommended to treat the tumor to alleviate symptoms.

Surgical treatment:

  • Some spinal meningiomas are large enough that they cause symptoms in a patient. In these situations, Dr. Pennicooke may decide to perform surgery to remove the tumor. Oftentimes, if the spinal meningioma is non-cancerous, easy to access, and does not invade nearby tissues, surgical removal of the tumor can act as a cure. In these situations, it is still important to follow up as recommended, to ensure the tumor does not regrow.

Spinal Meningioma Specialist

Spinal meningiomas are a type of spinal tumors that originate from the meninges: a tough, protective layer of membrane-like tissue. Often, this type of tumor is non-cancerous. However, if the tumor causes symptoms, it may need to be removed. Spinal meningioma specialist, Doctor Brenton Pennicooke,  provides diagnosis as well as surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for patients in Saint Louis, St. Peters, Creve Coeur, and surrounding cities in St. Louis County, and St. Charles County, Missouri who have been diagnosed with a spinal meningioma. Contact Dr. Pennicooke’s team today!