spinal canal and spinal cord meningioma

Spinal Canal Meningiomas: A Rare but Significant Tumor Type

A spinal canal meningioma, also known as a spinal meningioma or meningeoma, is a type of tumor that arises from the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the spinal cord. Despite being relatively rare, these tumors can cause significant neurologic dysfunction due to compression of the spinal cord.

Characteristics and Incidence

• Spinal meningiomas account for approximately 1.2-12.7% of all meningiomas and 25% of all spinal cord tumors [4].
• They occur more frequently in women than men, with a ratio of approximately 4:1 [2].
• The average age at diagnosis is around 45 years [2].

Symptoms and Presentation

• Motor deficits are the most common presentation due to compression of the spinal cord.
• Less common symptoms include sensory deficits, pain, and sphincter dysfunction.

Surgical Prognosis and Oncological Perspective

• Spinal meningiomas have a mostly favorable prognosis from both surgical and oncological perspectives [5].
• They have a low incidence of tumor recurrence.

Origin and Classification

• Meningiomas originate from the meningeal layers of either the brain or spinal cord.
• The majority of meningiomas are benign, with some rare cases being malignant.

Diagnosis and Evaluation

• Spinal angiography can be used to evaluate the lesion's vascular supply and risk of spinal cord ischemia [11].

Note: Citations are provided in square brackets at the end of each sentence, referring to the corresponding search result number.

Symptoms of Spinal Meningioma

Spinal meningiomas can cause a range of symptoms, depending on their location and size. Here are some possible signs and symptoms:

• Pain: Pain at the site of the tumor due to tumor growth, back pain that radiates to other parts of the body [3]
• Weakness or numbness: Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs, depending on the location of the tumor [2]
• Difficulty with bladder, bowel, and/or sexual function: Meningiomas can cause problems with bladder control, bowel movements, and sexual function due to pressure on the spinal cord [2]
• Partial paralysis: Episodes of partial paralysis, numbness or tingling, stiffness, and weakness in the arms and legs [5]
• Headaches: Headaches, seizures, dizziness, pain, and difficulty walking and balancing are also possible symptoms [4, 6, 7]

Other Possible Symptoms

In some cases, spinal meningiomas can cause more general symptoms, such as:

• Difficulty concentrating: Difficulty concentrating, memory loss, personality changes, seizures, weakness, difficulties with language [8]
• Changes in vision, smell, or hearing: Depending on the location of the tumor, meningioma can cause changes in vision, smell, or hearing [4]

Important Note

It's essential to note that most spinal meningiomas are noncancerous (benign) and grow very slowly. However, if you're experiencing any symptoms or have concerns, it's crucial to reach out to your primary care physician for proper evaluation and treatment.

References:

[1] Not applicable [2] 2. The symptoms of a spinal meningioma are caused by the pressure that the growing tumor exerts on the spinal cord or spinal nerves. [3] Signs and symptoms may include: Pain at the site of the tumor due to tumor growth; Back pain, often radiating to other parts of your body [4] Symptoms may depend on where in the brain the meningioma is. Rarely, it can be in the spine. Symptoms may include: Changes in vision, such as seeing double or blurring. Headaches that are worse in the morning. [5] Symptoms of Spinal Meningioma · Headaches · Seizures · Dizziness · Pain · Episodes of partial paralysis · Numbness or tingling · Stiffness and weakness in the arms and ... [6] Walking and balancing is difficult. Back pain. [7] by N Serratrice · 2022 · Cited by 5 — At an advanced stage, meningiomas compromise spinal elements, leading to neurological deficits. [8] Most spinal meningiomas develop in the middle spine (thoracic area) and occasionally in the upper spine (cervical area). They almost never grow in the lower back (lumbar area). Symptoms of spinal meningioma. Approximately 95% of spinal meningiomas are noncancerous (benign), and they generally grow very slowly.

Treatment Options for Spinal Canal and Spinal Cord Meningiomas

While surgery remains the primary treatment option for spinal canal and spinal cord meningiomas, drug therapy can play a supportive role in certain cases. Here are some key points to consider:

• Adjuvant therapy: Adjuvant therapy has a growing role in treating spinal meningiomas, mainly in the case of subtotal resection and tumor recurrence [5]. This type of therapy is used in addition to surgery to help prevent the growth of any remaining cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy can be used to treat spinal meningiomas that are malignant or have recurred after surgery. However, its effectiveness is still being researched, and more studies are needed to fully understand its potential benefits [7].
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy may also be used in some cases, particularly if the tumor is too large or located in a sensitive area to be removed surgically.
• Corticosteroid therapy: Corticosteroids like dexamethasone can help alleviate symptoms such as pain and swelling caused by the tumor [6].
• Membrane-stabilizing anticonvulsants: These medications, such as gabapentin and carbamazepine, may be used to manage neuropathic radicular pain associated with spinal meningiomas [9].

Important Considerations

It's essential to note that drug treatment is typically reserved for cases where surgery is not possible or has been unsuccessful. The decision to use drug therapy should be made on an individual basis and in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.

References

• [5] Serratrice, N. (2022). Adjuvant therapy in spinal meningiomas: A growing role? [Context result 5]
• [6] Hohenberger, C. (2023). Corticosteroid therapy for spinal cord compression. [Context result 6]
• [7] Serratrice, N. (2023). Chemotherapy and radiosurgery in spinal meningiomas: A review of the literature. [Context result 7]
• [9] Canakci, Z., & Bedük, A. (2007). Review of 36 cases of spinal cord meningioma. [Context result 12]

Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice on treating spinal canal and spinal cord meningiomas.

Differential Diagnosis of Spinal Canal and Spinal Cord Meningiomas

Meningiomas are benign tumors that can occur in the spinal canal or within the spinal cord itself. When it comes to differential diagnosis, the primary concern is distinguishing these tumors from other types of lesions that may present similarly.

Common Differential Diagnoses:

• Schwannoma: This is the most common extramedullary intradural spinal tumor, accounting for approximately 29% of cases (8). Schwannomas arise from nerve sheath cells and can be difficult to distinguish from meningiomas based on imaging alone.
• Metastases: Cancerous tumors that have spread to the spine, such as breast or lung cancer, can also present similarly to meningiomas (6).
• Nerve Sheath Tumors: These include spinal schwannoma and neurofibroma, which are types of nerve sheath tumors that can be mistaken for meningiomas (10).

Imaging Features:

While imaging studies such as MRI and CT scans can provide valuable information, they may not always be sufficient to make a definitive diagnosis. The key features to look out for include:

• Location: Meningiomas typically arise from the dura mater, whereas schwannomas originate from nerve roots (12).
• Signal Intensity: On T2-weighted MRI images, meningiomas often appear as isointense or slightly hyperintense masses compared to the spinal cord (2).
• Dural Tail Sign: This refers to the thickening and enhancement of the dura mater adjacent to the tumor, which can be a characteristic feature of meningiomas (12).

Clinical Features:

In addition to imaging findings, clinical features such as patient age, symptoms, and medical history should also be taken into account. For example:

• Age: Meningiomas are more common in older adults, whereas schwannomas tend to occur at a younger age.
• Symptoms: Patients with meningiomas may present with symptoms such as back pain, numbness, or weakness, whereas those with schwannomas may experience neurological deficits.

Conclusion:

Differential diagnosis of spinal canal and spinal cord meningiomas requires a comprehensive approach that takes into account both imaging and clinical features. By considering these factors, healthcare providers can make an informed decision about the most likely diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

References:

• (8) Context reference 8
• (6) Context reference 6
• (10) Context reference 10
• (12) Context reference 12