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The mystery of meningioma: Why do some tumors exist silently in the human body
Meningiomas are common, slow-growing tumors that originate from the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. The existence of these tumors is not only a curiosity to the medical community, but also causes many people to live with them without realizing it. How can we understand these silent tumors and the mysteries they maintain within our bodies?
Meningiomas often do not cause obvious symptoms, and many cases are not discovered until autopsy.
Meningioma Development and Risk Factors
The causes of meningioma are not yet fully understood. Most cases are sporadic, while a small number are hereditary. Some studies have shown that people who have been exposed to scalp radiation have an increased risk of developing meningioma, as do people who have sustained brain injuries. In addition, survivors who witnessed the atomic bomb in Hiroshima had a higher incidence of developing meningioma the closer they were to the center of the explosion.
Symptoms and effects
The symptoms of a meningioma vary depending on its size and location in the brain. Relatively small tumors (less than 2.0 cm) usually do not cause symptoms, but larger tumors may compress surrounding tissues and cause seizures, vision problems, or unilateral muscle weakness.
After stratified evaluation, approximately 90% of meningiomas are considered benign, with only approximately 8% being atypical or malignant types.
Diagnostic methods
The diagnosis of meningioma usually relies on medical imaging. Common tests include MRI and CT scans, which can clearly show the location of the meningioma and its effects on surrounding tissues. Most meningiomas are well identifiable on imaging and may demonstrate a typical “dural tail” signal.
Treatment Options
In terms of treatment, the management of meningiomas is mostly based on their size and the patient's symptoms. For asymptomatic small meningiomas, doctors may choose to observe and regularly follow up; for tumors with obvious symptoms, surgical resection is a common and effective option. If the tumor cannot be completely removed, radiation therapy may also be considered as adjuvant therapy.
After surgery, if the tumor is completely removed, the chance of recurrence is less than 20%.
Lifestyle influence
Research suggests that maintaining a normal weight and avoiding unnecessary dental X-rays may reduce the risk of meningioma. Society's awareness of health and ability to manage itself will have a certain impact on the incidence of meningioma.
Conclusion: The future of meningioma
Although the symptoms of meningioma are often not obvious in the early stages, with the advancement of medical technology, the possibility of early detection and treatment has greatly increased. Lessons from history encourage us to better understand these “silent” tumors. Perhaps future medical research will unravel the mysteries of these tumors and provide more effective treatment options. Is the silent existence of these meningiomas also a warning for us to pay more attention to our own health?
