The symptoms of a meningioma include headaches, problems with memory and concentration, personality changes, vision problems such as blurred or double vision, gradual loss of sensation or movement in an arm or leg, loss of balance or hearing, difficulty swallowing, drowsiness, seizures and a decreased sense of smell. As tumors may develop and grow quickly, it is extremely important to seek medical attention when experiencing any of these symptoms.
Upon diagnosis, a CT scan, MRI scan, angiogram, x-rays and/or a biopsy may be performed. A computerized tomography (CT) scan uses a sophisticated X-ray machine linked to a computer to produce detailed, two-dimensional images of the brain. The patient lies still on a movable table that’s guided into what looks like an enormous doughnut where the images are taken. A special dye may be injected into the bloodstream after a few CT scans are taken. The dye helps make tumors more visible on X-ray. A CT scan is painless and generally takes less than 10 minutes. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan uses magnetic fields to generate images of the brain. The patient lies inside a cylindrical machine for approximately an hour. MRI scans are particularly useful in diagnosing brain tumors because they outline the normal brain structures in great detail. Sometimes a special dye is injected into the bloodstream during the procedure (MRI angiogram). The dye can help distinguish tumors from healthy tissue. An angiogram involves injecting a special dye into the arteries that go to the brain. The dye, which flows through the blood vessels in the brain, can be seen on X-ray. This test helps locate blood vessels in and around a brain tumor. MRI angiograms can often be done in place of this test. An X-ray of the head can show alterations in skull bones that could indicate a tumor. It can also show calcium deposits, which are sometimes associated with brain tumors. A biopsy is usually required to diagnose a brain tumor and confirm its type. In a biopsy, a piece of tumor is removed for examination under a microscope. A biopsy can be performed separately or as part the surgery to remove the tumor.
Treatment involves surgically removing the tumor. Sometimes chemotherapy and radiotherapy may also be necessary.

The primary difference between benign and malignant tumors is location. Malignant tumors are not self-limited in growth and often invade adjacent tissues. Malignant tumors’ main objective is to survive which they accomplish through mutating and spreading throughout the body. Malignant tumors by definition are cancer.
Benign tumors on the other hand, only grow in one place and do not have the ability to spread to adjacent tissue. Treatment for benign tumors usually involves surgery in which the tumor is removed and does not grow back. While benign tumors are undoubtedly less harmful than malignant tumors, if not treated quickly and with extreme care, benign tumors can become fatal.

They key to prevention of further complications of benign tumors is being proactive. Make sure to get tested regularly and pursue quick and effective treatment solutions. To learn more about tumors, both benign and malignant, as well as to gain further insight into other cancer related topics visit both NorthShore University HealthSystems Neuroscience department and cancer forum.