The Flawed Belief That All Small Meningiomas Can Be Ignored Safely Without Neurological Checkups

Learning that your brain tumor is benign and small in size can bring a sense of relief. The problem is that a benign brain tumor doesn't mean completely harmless. There are different risks to be wary of depending on how the tumor grows, where it's growing, and how often you monitor it. 

According to a paper published by the NIH, up to 3% of benign tumors can transform into malignant ones. That's why watchful waiting is such a crucial step for brain tumor patients to take. 

We're here to help you learn more about how to be proactive in your monitoring efforts and what you should look for to stay as healthy as possible. 

The Myth of a Small and Benign Brain Tumor

The words "small" and "benign" can lure us into a false sense of security. They feel like the best-case scenario when it comes to meningiomas, but that doesn't mean that they're harmless.

This sense of security can actually do more harm than good. Patients may believe that the "small" and "benign" nature of their tumor means they no longer need to worry about it. They won't give the situation the careful monitoring it deserves. 

When left without any precautions or safeguards, benign meningiomas could even be dangerously risky.

Potential Risks When Tumors Are Ignored

Although benign tumors won't spread cancer to other systems, they can still cause problems. They can grow and put pressure on nerves in the brain.

For example, if the benign tumor is in a vital spot, you could suffer from a variety of different symptoms. These include: 

• Difficulty talking or swallowing
• Vision problems
• Frequent headaches or migraines
• Hearing loss
• Balance issues
• Fluid buildup
• Cognitive decline
• Problems with concentration
• Seizures

Plus, there is always the risk that a benign tumor may turn into a malignant tumor over time, which will then have the potential to spread and cause more damage throughout your entire body.

Asymptomatic Meningioma Progression

Even if you have no symptoms to worry about at first, meningiomas can grow and continue to alter your overall health. The thing to understand is that every patient has a different experience. 

Some meningiomas show little growth over the course of many years, whereas others can grow significantly in just one. 

It's easy for patients to believe that there's no cause for concern when they have no tumor mass effect symptoms. This can lead to worsening conditions without warning because so much time passes between MRI scans and other monitoring techniques. 

Neuro-Oncology Monitoring Guidelines

Small tumors don't always stay small, and benign tumors don't always stay benign. The best defense you can give yourself is to talk about serial MRI scan frequency with your doctor.

They can help you set up a schedule that works for your specific case so you never get caught off guard about any changes. 

Expect this frequency to change as the years go on. In the beginning, doctors tend to want an MRI every couple of weeks, which then extends to every couple of months.

The severity of your case dictates how often you need another scan. If your tumor is progressing slowly and isn't located anywhere dangerous, this frequency could slow down to once a year or even once every other year.

Make sure to remain close with your doctor and their findings, so you always are in the loop about what's happening.  

The Necessity of Watchful Waiting

The idea of watchful waiting means that you and your doctor are keeping a close eye on how things progress, but there isn't anything active to do for your condition at the moment. It's a time of waiting to see what happens before deciding how to proceed. 

This can sometimes feel like a hopeless period for patients. They know there's a medical problem, even if they have no symptoms, but there's nothing to do yet. 

Try to keep in mind that watchful waiting is the best proactive thing to do right now. If you ignore the situation altogether, it could lead to future issues you won't see coming. 

Warning Symptoms

A sudden occurrence of symptoms can mean that your tumor has altered in some way or started putting pressure on a vital brain system. Warning symptoms that something major has changed with your meningioma can include:  

• A severe headache that won't go away
• Sudden vomiting and nausea
• Extreme drowsiness
• Personality shifts
• Memory problems
• Seizures
• Numbness on a single side of your body
• Loss of smell
• Difficulty walking
• Blurry vision or vision loss

Never hesitate to call emergency services as soon as you notice any of these symptoms. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Live a Full Life With a Benign Brain Tumor?

With the right lifestyle and careful monitoring, a person with a benign brain tumor can live a full life without any drawbacks. 

What Is the Average Size of a Meningioma?

Most tumors are around 3mm when diagnosed by a professional, but meningiomas can be smaller than 2mm or bigger than 5mm. The size can alter the way your doctor wants to proceed with your medical care and monitoring. 

How Risky Is Removing a Meningioma?

The process of removing a meningioma is generally considered safe, but the procedure can vary in severity depending on the details of the meningioma. A larger tumor or one in a tricky spot can increase the risks. It's always important to talk to your doctor about the specifics of your case. 

Find Support and Understanding With CTBTA

Dealing with a brain tumor is always a frightening thing, whether it's a benign brain tumor or not. One of the best things you can do for your mental health is to build a support system to help you and your family deal with all of these lifestyle and medical changes. 

The Connecticut Brain Tumor Association (CTBTA) has been supporting families during troubling times since 2007. We've worked hard to raise over $2.2 million to help fund research, aid struggling families, and provide patients with better care.

If you're looking for more guidance, our brain tumor patient resources can help you figure out your next steps. If you'd like to become a part of the fight, consider donating to our cause.