obsolete malignant neoplasm of meninges

Malignant Neoplasm of Meninges: An Obsolete Term

A malignant neoplasm of the meninges, also referred to as an obsolete term, is a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer that originates from the meninges, which are the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This type of tumor is characterized by its rapid growth and potential to invade surrounding tissues.

Key Features:

• Rare occurrence: Malignant neoplasms of the meninges are extremely rare, accounting for a small percentage of all brain tumors.
• Aggressive behavior: These tumors tend to grow quickly and can be invasive, making them challenging to treat.
• Poor prognosis: Unfortunately, malignant neoplasms of the meninges often have a poor prognosis, with limited treatment options available.

Citations:

• [5] refers to this type of tumor as a "malignant tumor occurring in the meninges".
• [6] uses the term "Secondary malignant neoplasm of cerebral meninges (disorder)".
• [10] discusses the importance of analyzing nationwide patterns in place of death for malignant neoplasms of the meninges.

Note: The term "obsolete" is used to indicate that this classification system may no longer be widely used or accepted in modern medical practice.

Based on the provided context, here are the signs and symptoms of an obsolete malignant neoplasm of meninges:

• Neurological symptoms: Seizures, changes in vision or hearing, arm or leg weakness [1]
• Headache: A common symptom, which can be worse in the morning [10][7]
• Changes in vision: Seeing double or blurring, depending on the tumor's location [10][11]
• Hearing loss: Depending on the tumor's proximity to the nerve [11]
• Visual distortions: Depending on the tumor's location [13]
• Mood or personality changes: Depending on the tumor's location [13]
• Seizures: Depending on the tumor's location [14]
• Headaches: Depending on the tumor's location [14]
• Changes in smell or hearing: Depending on the tumor's location [14]

Additionally, other symptoms may include:

• Pain in the neck
• Stiff neck
• Head tilt
• Paresthesias in the shoulders
• Dysphagia [5]
• Nausea and vomiting [6][9]
• Exhaustion
• Imbalance
• Blurred or double vision [8]

It's worth noting that these symptoms may vary depending on the location of the tumor and its impact on surrounding brain tissue, nerves, and blood vessels.

Treatment Options for Obsolete Malignant Meningeal Neoplasms

Malignant meningiomas are rare and aggressive tumors that arise from the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. While surgery and radiation therapy remain the primary treatment modalities, various chemotherapeutic agents have been explored to manage this condition.

• Hydroxyurea: This ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor has shown promise in inducing apoptosis in meningioma cells in vitro and in vivo [5]. Its effectiveness as a monotherapy or in combination with other agents warrants further investigation.
• Bevacizumab: As a VEGF binding monoclonal antibody, bevacizumab has demonstrated encouraging anti-tumor effects in patients with progressive Grade I meningiomas [6]. However, its role in more aggressive forms of malignant meningioma remains to be determined.
• Trabectedin: This chemotherapeutic agent has been used in heavily pretreated patients with anaplastic meningioma, resulting in a favorable response [8]. Further studies are needed to establish its efficacy and optimal dosing regimen.

Combination Therapy

The treatment of malignant meningiomas often involves a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. After craniotomy, patients should be closely followed for signs of recurrence or progression [4].

Rare but Aggressive Cases

In rare cases (5%), malignant meningiomas can develop meningeal carcinomatosis, characterized by distant metastases in the meninges [9]. In such instances, radiation therapy might be used alone or following subtotal surgical resection to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

While these treatment options show promise, it is essential to note that each patient's response may vary depending on factors like tumor grade, location, and individual characteristics. Further research is necessary to establish the most effective treatment strategies for malignant meningiomas.

References:

[1] HS Gwak (2015) - Systemic chemotherapy for LMC has been limited as effective CSF concentration can hardly be achieved except high dose methotrexate (MTX) intravenous ...

[2] E Lou (2012) - Bevacizumab can be administered safely to patients with meningioma and appears to be associated with encouraging anti-tumor effect when administered as either a ...

[3] Aug 19, 2024 - Meningiomas can be managed with observation, surgery, and/or radiation therapy. In some cases, active intervention may be delayed and will only...

[4] by A PERKINS (2016) - Treatment often includes a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. After craniotomy, patients should be followed closely for...

[5] by HB Newton (2007) - Hydroxyurea, an inhibitor of ribonucleotide reductase, is one of the most active agents and is known to induce apoptosis in meningioma cells in vitro and in...

[6] by P Kumthekar (2022) - This phase II study investigates the efficacy of bevacizumab (BEV), a VEGF binding monoclonal antibody, in patients with progressive Grade I...

[7] Aug 19, 2024 - Meningiomas can be managed with observation, surgery, and/or radiation therapy. In some cases, active intervention may be delayed and will only...

[8] by M Preusser (2012) - On the basis of these findings, trabectedin was given to 1 patient who had heavily pretreated, anaplastic meningioma, and a favorable response...

[9] Nov 8, 2023 - Five percent of all cases go on to develop meningeal carcinomatosis, i.e., distant metastases in the meninges [3]. Because of the high...

[10] by Z Jafari (2022) - For such patients, RT might be used alone or following subtotal surgical resection. In addition, few studies report the benefits of these interventions, and the...

The differential diagnosis for an obsolete malignant neoplasm of the meninges involves considering various conditions that can present with similar symptoms and imaging characteristics.

According to search results, metastatic cancer is one of the disorders that enter into the differential diagnosis [7]. This is because metastatic cancer can also cause tumors in the brain and meninges, making it a potential mimic for an obsolete malignant neoplasm of the meninges.

Another condition to consider is neoplastic meningitis, especially when there are symptoms such as inflammation or irritation of the meninges [7]. Neoplastic meningitis refers to cancer that has spread to the meninges and can cause similar symptoms to a primary tumor in this location.

Additionally, glomus jugulare tumor should also be considered in the differential diagnosis, particularly when there are symptoms related to the jugular foramen [7].

It's worth noting that while these conditions can present with similar symptoms and imaging characteristics, they have distinct underlying causes and treatment approaches. A thorough evaluation by a medical professional is necessary to determine the correct diagnosis.

References: * [7] Other disorders that enter into the differential diagnosis are glomus jugulare tumor (see later), metastatic cancer, neoplastic meningitis (especially ... * [7] See the Non-malignant CNS Rules when the primary site is optic nerve and the diagnosis is either optic glioma or pilocytic astrocytoma.