Meningioma Treatment with Dr. Shah-Naz Khan, Neurosurgeon in Flint, MI
A meningioma is a usually benign, slow-growing tumor that arises from the meninges, the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Many meningiomas are found by chance and may only need monitoring, while others are treated with surgery or radiation, depending on their size, location, and whether they cause symptoms.
What it is
A tumor of the meninges, the coverings of the brain and spinal cord.
Usually benign
Most are slow-growing and not cancer, though grades exist.
Common symptoms
Often none; sometimes headaches, seizures, or vision changes.
Watch vs treat
Small, quiet tumors are often monitored rather than treated.
Main treatments
Monitoring, surgery, radiosurgery, and sometimes embolization.
What is a meningioma?
A meningioma is a tumor that grows from the meninges, the thin layers of tissue that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord. Because it grows from the coverings rather than the brain itself, a meningioma usually pushes on the brain from the outside rather than growing within it.
Most meningiomas are benign and slow-growing. Doctors grade them from 1 to 3: grade 1 (typical) is benign and by far the most common, while grade 2 (atypical) and grade 3 (anaplastic) are less common and grow more quickly. Most people with a meningioma have a grade 1 tumor.
Even a benign meningioma can matter, though. If it grows large or sits near an important structure, it can press on the brain, nerves, or vessels and cause symptoms, which is why some meningiomas are treated and others are simply watched. See brain tumor care →
What the grade means
Do all meningiomas need surgery?
No. Because many meningiomas are slow-growing and found by chance, one of the most important questions is whether a tumor needs treatment at all, or can simply be watched.
Often monitored with periodic MRI when…
- The meningioma is small and found by chance on a scan done for another reason
- It is causing no symptoms
- It is not pressing on a critical structure
- Follow-up scans show it is stable or growing very slowly
Treatment is usually considered when…
- The tumor is causing symptoms such as seizures, weakness, or vision changes
- Scans show it is growing
- It is large or pressing on the brain, nerves, or vessels
- Its location makes future problems likely if left untreated
What are the symptoms of a meningioma?
Many meningiomas cause no symptoms and are found by chance. When symptoms do occur, they depend on where the tumor sits.
Common symptoms
- Often none, especially with small tumors found incidentally
- Headaches, sometimes worse in the morning
- Seizures
- Gradual changes in vision
Symptoms by location
- Loss of smell or hearing, depending on the site
- Weakness or numbness in the limbs
- Trouble with memory, concentration, or personality
- Problems with balance
How is a meningioma diagnosed?
Meningiomas have a characteristic look on a scan. Whether tissue is needed depends on the plan.
MRI with contrast
MRI is the main test. A meningioma typically shows up as a well-defined mass on the brain’s outer lining that lights up with contrast, often with a characteristic tail of enhancement along the dura. This appearance is suggestive, though not unique to meningiomas.
CT scan
A CT scan can show calcium within the tumor and whether the nearby skull bone is involved, which helps with planning.
Watchful waiting or pathology
A small, typical-looking meningioma may be monitored without a biopsy. When a tumor is removed, a pathologist examines the tissue to confirm the diagnosis and grade.
How is a meningioma treated?
Treatment is tailored to the tumor. Options range from simply watching it to surgery, radiation, and, in selected cases, a minimally invasive step before surgery.
Active surveillance
Many small, symptom-free meningiomas are watched with regular MRI scans. Treatment is used only if the tumor grows or begins to cause symptoms.
Surgical removal
When treatment is needed, surgery to remove the meningioma is the usual approach. Completely removing a benign meningioma can be curative when it can be done safely.
Radiation or radiosurgery
Focused radiation or stereotactic radiosurgery can treat a small meningioma, or tumor left behind after surgery, especially in hard-to-reach locations.
Pre-operative embolization
For some meningiomas with a rich blood supply, a minimally invasive procedure can block feeding vessels before surgery to reduce bleeding during removal. It is used selectively, not for every tumor.
Watch or treat, and which treatment
Because so many meningiomas are slow-growing, the first and most important question is often whether to treat at all. Dr. Khan reviews your scans personally and gives an honest recommendation, which for a small, quiet tumor may simply be careful monitoring rather than surgery.
When treatment is the right call, the plan is matched to the tumor. Dr. Khan is fellowship-trained in both open and endovascular neurosurgery, so for a meningioma with a rich blood supply she can discuss whether an embolization-assisted approach before surgery makes sense. Second opinions are genuinely welcomed. See endovascular neurosurgery →
What shapes the plan
Meningioma care from a fellowship-trained neurosurgeon
Shah-Naz Khan, MD, FRCSC, FAANS is a fellowship-trained neurosurgeon and the founder of the Institute of General and Endovascular Neurosurgery in Flint, Michigan. She is trained in both open and endovascular techniques, which is uncommon and especially relevant for meningiomas.
She founded the practice in 2014 on a standard of excellence, ethics, and integrity. Every case is evaluated personally, treatment (including the option to simply monitor) is recommended based on what is genuinely best for you, and second opinions are welcomed. Explore brain tumor care →
Why patients choose IGEN
- Board-certified, fellowship-trained neurosurgeon
- Trained in both open surgery and minimally invasive endovascular techniques
- Honest guidance on when to watch and when to treat
- Every case personally reviewed by Dr. Khan, not delegated
- Second opinions genuinely welcomed
Meningiomas: frequently asked questions
Is a meningioma a brain tumor?
Is a meningioma cancer?
Do all meningiomas need surgery?
Can a meningioma be watched instead of treated?
What is meningioma embolization?
Do I need a referral to see Dr. Khan about a meningioma?
Told you have a meningioma? Get an honest, personal opinion.
Whether a scan found a meningioma by chance or you have symptoms, Dr. Khan will review your images personally and tell you honestly whether it is best to watch it or treat it.
- Request a consultation by phone or through the contact form.
- Share any MRI or CT results you already have so nothing is repeated needlessly.
- Meet Dr. Khan for a personal review, a clear explanation, and honest next steps.