Papillary meningioma: a rare but distinct variant of malignant meningioma

Singh Avninder1, Sarvjot Vermani, Sharma Shruti

  • 1Institute of Pathology - ICMR, New Delhi, India. dravninder@yahoo.co.in

Diagnostic Pathology
|January 20, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Papillary meningiomas, a rare and aggressive brain tumor variant, present diagnostic challenges. Early recognition is crucial to prevent metastasis and improve patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Neuro-oncology
  • Pathology
  • Neurosurgery

Background:

  • Papillary meningiomas are rare meningeal tumors.
  • They exhibit aggressive clinical behavior compared to typical meningiomas.
  • Their rarity can lead to diagnostic challenges for pathologists.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a case of papillary meningioma in a pediatric patient.
  • To highlight the diagnostic and clinical features of this rare tumor type.

Main Methods:

  • Case presentation of a 16-year-old boy with a bifrontal meningioma.
  • Diagnostic imaging (MRI) revealed a predominantly papillary pattern with aggressive features.
  • Surgical management involved radical tumor excision.

Main Results:

  • The patient presented with headache, vision loss, and seizures.
  • MRI confirmed a large bifrontal meningioma with necrosis, high mitotic activity, and bone invasion.
  • The patient remained disease-free at 15 months post-surgery.

Conclusions:

  • Papillary meningiomas are recognized, malignant variants requiring differentiation from other tumors.
  • These tumors frequently invade bone and brain tissue and can metastasize.
  • Timely diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent metastasis and reduce morbidity/mortality.

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