supratentorial meningioma

Supratentorial Meningioma: A Common Type of Benign Brain Tumor

A supratentorial meningioma is a type of brain tumor that specifically affects the supratentorial region of the brain. This region includes the upper part of the brain, above the tentorium cerebelli, which is a thin membrane that separates the cerebrum from the cerebellum.

Characteristics and Incidence

Supratentorial meningiomas are the most common type of primary central nervous system tumor in adults, accounting for about 55% of non-malignant tumors in the United States. They are also the most common subtype of meningioma, making up approximately 85-90% of all supratentorial brain tumors.

Symptoms and Clinical Management

Patients with supratentorial meningiomas frequently suffer from seizures, which is a major symptom of this type of tumor. Other symptoms may include hemiparesis (weakness on one side of the body), visual field defects, and anosmia (loss of smell). The clinical management options for supratentorial meningiomas are diverse and depend on various factors, including the size and location of the tumor.

Pathophysiology and Imaging Characteristics

Supratentorial meningiomas originate from arachnoid cap cells, which are cells within the thin, spider web-like membrane that covers the brain. These tumors can cause mass effect depending on their location, leading to compression of adjacent brain structures. The imaging characteristics of supratentorial meningiomas include a well-defined border and a dural tail sign, which is a characteristic feature of these tumors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, supratentorial meningioma is a common type of benign brain tumor that affects the upper part of the brain. It is characterized by seizures and other symptoms, and its clinical management options depend on various factors. Understanding the pathophysiology and imaging characteristics of this tumor subtype is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

References

• [1] Meningioma is the most common type of primary brain tumor, accounting for approximately 30 percent of all brain tumors. (Source: #4)
• Supratentorial meningiomas are the most common type of primary central nervous system tumor in adults, accounting for about 55% of non-malignant tumors in the United States. (Source: #11)
• The majority of meningiomas are benign and originate from the meningeal layers of either the brain or the spinal cord. (Source: #12)

Common Signs and Symptoms of Supratentorial Meningioma

Supratentorial meningiomas are a type of brain tumor that can cause various symptoms depending on their location and size. Here are some common signs and symptoms associated with this condition:

• Vision problems: Supratentorial meningiomas can grow large enough to cause vision problems, including double vision, blurred vision, or loss of vision in one eye [1].
• Headaches: Headaches are a common symptom of supratentorial meningioma, and they can be severe and frequent [2].
• Facial numbness: The tumor can press against the facial nerve, causing numbness or weakness on one side of the face [3].
• Changes in behavior: Supratentorial meningiomas can cause changes in behavior, including mood swings, anxiety, or personality changes [4].
• Weakness or drooping of one side of the face: The tumor can also cause weakness or drooping of one side of the face due to its location near the facial nerve [5].

Other Possible Symptoms

In addition to these common symptoms, supratentorial meningiomas can also cause other possible signs and symptoms, including:

• Abnormal eye movements
• Trouble swallowing
• Trouble walking
• Loss of smell: Supratentorial meningiomas can cause a loss of smell due to their location near the olfactory nerve [6].

References

[1] Context 3 [2] Context 4 [3] Context 5 [4] Context 8 [5] Context 9 [6] Context 1

Diagnostic Procedures for Supratentorial Meningiomas

Supratentorial meningiomas can be diagnosed using various imaging and laboratory tests. Here are some of the diagnostic procedures used to diagnose these tumors:

• Imaging Studies: Imaging studies such as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and CT (Computed Tomography) scans are commonly used to diagnose supratentorial meningiomas. These tests can help identify the location, size, and characteristics of the tumor [1].
• Contrast-Enhanced MRI: Contrast-enhanced MRI is a type of imaging study that uses a contrast agent to highlight the tumor and its surrounding tissues. This test can help determine the extent of the tumor's growth and its relationship with nearby structures [2][4].
• Blood Tests: Blood tests can be used to look for inflammation, changes in protein levels, or other markers that could indicate the presence of cancer [2].
• Neurological Exam: A neurological exam is a series of tests that assesses a person's vision, hearing, balance, coordination, reflexes, and ability to think and remember. This test can help identify any neurological symptoms related to the tumor [3].
• Biopsy or Resection: Biopsy or resection (surgical removal) of the tumor is considered the most definitive method of diagnosis for supratentorial meningiomas [6].

It's worth noting that while these diagnostic procedures can help diagnose supratentorial meningiomas, a definitive diagnosis often requires a combination of imaging studies and histopathological examination of tissue samples.

References:

[1] Goldbrunner, R. (2021). Diagnostic Procedures. In Cited by 467 — [Context]

[2] Oct 3, 2024 — Blood tests can be used to look for inflammation, changes in protein levels, or other markers that could indicate the presence of cancer. [Context]

[3] A neurological exam: This includes assessing your vision, hearing, balance, coordination, reflexes and ability to think and remember. Scans of the brain: MRI ... [Context]

[4] Nowosielski, M. (2017). The tentative diagnosis of meningioma can be made by contrast-enhanced MRI, which is also used for long-term follow-up because of the superior soft-tissue ... [Context]

[6] Hanna, C. (2023). Biopsy or resection, however, remains the only methods of definitive meningioma diagnosis [17]. Nevertheless, meningiomas are primarily first ... [Context]

Treatment Options for Supratentorial Meningiomas

Supratentorial meningiomas, a type of brain tumor, can be challenging to treat due to their location and potential for recurrence. While surgery is often the primary treatment option, drug therapy may also play a role in managing these tumors.

• Prophylactic Antiepileptic Drugs: Research suggests that prophylactic antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) may not be effective in reducing the rate of seizures in patients with supratentorial meningioma [1][2]. However, AEDs are still prescribed to manage seizures and prevent their occurrence.
• Hormonal Agents: Studies have investigated the use of hormonal agents, such as mifepristone and tamoxifen, in treating meningiomas. Mifepristone, an anti-progesterone drug, has shown promise in reducing tumor growth [3].
• Calcium Channel Antagonists: Calcium channel antagonists (CCAs), like verapamil and diltiazem, have been studied for their potential to block the stimulatory effects of growth factors on meningioma cell culture [4]. However, more research is needed to determine their efficacy in treating supratentorial meningiomas.
• Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids, such as dexamethasone, are sometimes used to reduce swelling and alleviate symptoms associated with meningiomas [5].

Current Recommendations

While drug therapy may be considered for patients with supratentorial meningioma, the current consensus is that surgery remains the primary treatment option. The decision to use medication should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account individual patient factors and tumor characteristics.

References:

[1] M Yang (2020) - Meningiomas, the most common brain tumor, inevitably require surgical treatment. However, the efficacy of prophylactic antiepileptic drugs ...

[2] A Shahbandi (2023) - The hormonal agents mifepristone and tamoxifen have both been studied in meningiomas. Mifepristone is an anti-progesterone drug that was found to result in ...

[3] by G CARUSO (2015) - Calcium channel antagonists (CCAs), such as verapamil and diltiazem, can block the stimulatory effects of numerous growth factors on meningioma cell culture and ...

[4] A Shahbandi (2023) - The hormonal agents mifepristone and tamoxifen have both been studied in meningiomas. Mifepristone is an anti-progesterone drug that was found to result in ...

[5] by AD Norden (2007) - Although advances in surgery, radiation therapy, and stereotactic radiosurgery have significantly improved the treatment of meningiomas, there remains an ...

Supratentorial Meningioma Differential Diagnosis

Supratentorial meningiomas are a type of brain tumor that arises from the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain. When diagnosing these tumors, it's essential to consider various differential diagnoses to ensure accurate identification and treatment.

Key Differential Diagnoses:

• Glioblastoma: A primary brain cancer that can present with similar symptoms to supratentorial meningiomas (1).
• Cavernous Sinus Syndromes: A group of conditions characterized by the presence of a tumor or cyst in the cavernous sinus, which can mimic the presentation of supratentorial meningiomas (1).
• Complex Partial Seizures: A type of seizure disorder that can be caused by various factors, including tumors, and may present with similar symptoms to supratentorial meningiomas (1).
• Frontal Lobe Syndromes: A group of conditions affecting the frontal lobe of the brain, which can present with similar symptoms to supratentorial meningiomas (1).
• Glioblastoma: Also known as glioblastoma multiforme, this is a type of primary brain cancer that can be difficult to distinguish from supratentorial meningiomas based on imaging alone (3).

Imaging Characteristics:

Supratentorial meningiomas are typically characterized by:

• Irregular ring-nodular enhancing lesions: On imaging studies, these tumors may appear as irregular ring-nodular enhancing lesions with central necrosis and surrounding vasogenic edema (3).
• Central necrosis: A characteristic feature of supratentorial meningiomas is the presence of central necrosis, which can be seen on imaging studies (3).

Clinical Characteristics:

Supratentorial meningiomas are typically slow-growing tumors that may present with:

• Gradual onset of symptoms: Patients with supratentorial meningiomas often experience a gradual onset of symptoms, including headaches, seizures, and cognitive decline (6).
• Normal physical exam: In many cases, the physical exam is normal, making it essential to rely on imaging studies and other diagnostic tests for accurate diagnosis (8).

References:

(1) [Context 1] - Differential Diagnoses · Brainstem Gliomas · Cavernous Sinus Syndromes · Complex Partial Seizures · Frontal Lobe Syndromes · Glioblastoma. (3) [Context 3] - Supratentorial; Irregular ring-nodular enhancing lesions; Central necrosis; Surrounding vasogenic edema. Cross corpus callosum (butterfly glioma). (6) [Context 6] - Feb 9, 2016 — The identification of a supratentorial intracranial mass in an adult is a fairly common clinical scenario, the appropriate management of ... (8) [Context 8] Meningioma Diagnosis. A physical exam: Your doctor will review your symptoms, personal and family health history, physical exam and tests of vision and reflexes ...