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The natural history of asymptomatic meningiomas in Olmsted County, Minnesota
R S Go1, B V Taylor, D W Kimmel
1Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Abstract:
To define the natural history of asymptomatic meningioma found incidentally on a neuroimaging study, we performed a retrospective analysis of 35 such patients. There were 32 women and three men, with a mean age of 67 years and a mean follow-up of 74 months. Four tumors had progressed on subsequent imaging, and one patient developed symptoms related to the meningioma. Noncalcified tumors were more likely to progress than calcified tumors.
Insights
Asymptomatic meningiomas discovered incidentally may progress. Noncalcified meningiomas showed a higher likelihood of growth compared to calcified ones during the follow-up period.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Neurology
- Radiology
Background:
- Meningiomas are common primary tumors of the central nervous system.
- Incidental findings of asymptomatic meningiomas on neuroimaging studies are increasingly frequent.
- Understanding the natural history of these lesions is crucial for clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the natural history of incidentally discovered asymptomatic meningiomas.
- To identify factors associated with tumor progression in this patient cohort.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 35 patients with asymptomatic meningiomas.
- Mean follow-up duration of 74 months.
- Comparison of tumor characteristics (calcified vs. noncalcified) and progression rates.
Main Results:
- Four out of 35 tumors (11.4%) showed progression on follow-up imaging.
- One patient developed meningioma-related symptoms.
- Noncalcified meningiomas were significantly more likely to progress than calcified meningiomas.
Conclusions:
- Asymptomatic meningiomas have a variable natural history, with a subset exhibiting progression.
- Tumor calcification is a potential indicator of stability.
- Active surveillance may be warranted for noncalcified asymptomatic meningiomas.