Types of brain tumours
Meningiomas are tumours that start in the layers of tissue (meninges) that cover the brain and spinal cord. Most meningiomas are not cancerous (benign).
The meninges are membranes that support and protect the brain and spinal cord. A clear fluid called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) travels in the spaces formed by the meninges.
Find out more about the meninges and the different parts of the brain
Meningiomas can start anywhere in the brain and spinal cord.
Symptoms of meningioma depend on where the tumour is in the brain. Some meningiomas do not cause any symptoms. They might be picked up when you have a brain scan for something else.
If you have symptoms these might include:
fits (seizures)
weakness in your arms or legs
loss of eyesight
hearing loss
Find out more about the symptoms of brain tumours
Doctors group meningiomas into groups depending on how quickly they are likely to grow. This is called the grade. They can be low grade (slow growing) or high grade (fast growing).
The grade depends on how the cells look. Generally, the more normal the cells look, the lower the grade. The more abnormal the cells look, the higher the grade. Grade also depends on genes and proteins in the tumour cells.
There are 3 grades of meningiomas:
grade 1
grade 2
grade 3
Doctors also split meningiomas into subtypes. There are 15 different types of meningioma.
Read more about the grades of brain tumours
Around 27 out of every 100 brain tumours (around 27%) diagnosed in England between 1995 and 2017 were meningiomas. It is the most common type of benign brain tumour diagnosed in the UK.
Meningiomas are more common in women than in men.
You have tests to diagnose a meningioma. Your doctor checks the size of the tumour and its location. This helps your doctor plan your treatment. The tests you might have include:
MRI scan or CT scan
a biopsy
blood tests
a test of your neurological system (neurological examination)
a scan to look at the blood vessels in your brain (brain angiogram)
We have more information about the tests you might have to diagnose a brain tumour
Your treatment depends on whether the meningioma is low grade (slow growing) or high grade (fast growing). It also depends on where the tumour is.
You have regular appointments with your doctor or nurse after treatment finishes. Your doctor examines you at each appointment. They ask how you are feeling, whether you have had any symptoms or side effects, and if you are worried about anything. You also have MRI scans on some visits.
How often you have check ups depends on your individual situation.
For a grade 1 meningioma, you might have an MRI scan every year, for up to 5 years. You then have an MRI scan every 2 years.
For a grade 2 meningioma, you might have an MRI scan every 6 to 12 months. After 5 years, you have an MRI scan every 2 years.
For a grade 3 meningioma, you might have an MRI scan every 3 to 6 months. After 2 years, you have an MRI scan every 6 to 12 months.
Read more about follow up appointments after treatment for a brain tumour
Coping with a diagnosis of a brain tumour can be difficult, both practically and emotionally. It can be especially difficult when you have a rare tumour. Being well informed about the type of tumour you have, and its treatment can make it easier to cope.
Find out what you can do, who can help and how to cope with a brain tumour
Doctors are always trying to improve the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumours. As part of your treatment, your doctor might ask you to take part in a clinical trial. This might be to test a new treatment or look at different combinations of existing treatments.
Find out about the latest UK research and how you can take part in a clinical trial
Last reviewed: 17 Mar 2023
Next review due: 17 Mar 2026
Primary brain tumours are tumours that start in the brain. They can start anywhere in the brain and there are many different types of tumour.
Common symptoms of brain tumours include headaches, feeling or being sick and seizures (fits).
Treatment for a brain or spinal cord tumour depends on the type of tumour you have, where it is and your general health.
Practical and emotional support is available to help you cope with a brain or spinal cord tumour.
Survival depends on different factors such as the type, position and grade of your brain or spinal cord tumour.
Primary brain tumours are cancers that start in the brain.
About Cancer generously supported by Dangoor Education since 2010. Learn more about Dangoor Education
What to ask your doctor about clinical trials.
Meet and chat to other cancer people affected by cancer.
Questions about cancer? Call freephone 0808 800 40 40 from 9 to 5 - Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email us.
