Problems in the management of intracranial meningiomas

Meningiomas account for approximately 15-20% of all brain tumors, and are the most common benign intracranial tumor. These neoplasms develop from cap cells in the arachnoidea; thus, they can be found anywhere that dura mater exists. Meningiomas are usually diagnosed in middle age, and are significantly more frequent in females than in males. Atypical and anaplastic malignant forms also exist. Some types of meningiomas are difficult to manage and require special considerations. The first-line therapy for meningioma is surgery aimed at total excision; however, limitations of surgery must be fully evaluated in order to achieve better results. Conventional radiotherapy and gamma-knife radiosurgery can be used as adjuvant therapeutic modalities under certain conditions. The issues that we consider important in the management of intracranial meningiomas can be discussed under the headings of diagnosis, surgery, multiplicity, pathology, and recurrence.