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[Cervical lymphatic metastasis of an intracranial meningioma]

María Rico-Cotelo1, Ángel Prieto-González, Rosa M Reyes-Santías

  • 1Hospital Clinico de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Espana. mariaricot@gmail.com

Revista De Neurologia
|February 13, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Metastatic meningioma, a rare complication of intracranial tumors, can present as a neck mass. This case highlights the aggressive nature of anaplastic meningioma (WHO grade III) and its potential for distant spread.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Meningioma is the most common primary intracranial tumor, comprising approximately one-third of all brain tumors.
  • Typically benign and slow-growing, meningiomas originate from arachnoid mater cells.
  • Metastasis occurs in a small percentage (0.1%) of patients.

Observation:

  • A 45-year-old woman presented with a painless, enlarging neck mass.
  • MRI revealed a recurrence of frontal meningioma, previously surgically removed four times over 18 years.
  • Microscopic examination confirmed anaplastic meningioma (WHO grade III) in both the intracranial and neck lesions.

Findings:

  • The neck mass represented a rare instance of metastatic meningioma.
  • The patient's tumor exhibited aggressive biologic potential with distant spread and lymphatic invasion.
  • Histological features indicated malignant behavior, consistent with WHO grade III.

Implications:

  • Metastatic meningioma should be considered in patients with a history of meningioma presenting with a neck mass.
  • Aggressive histological subtypes warrant vigilance for potential distant metastasis.
  • This case underscores the importance of considering metastatic disease in recurrent meningioma cases.

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