what is a meningioma

A meningioma is a tumor that arises from the meninges, which are the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It is the most common type of tumor that forms in the head and is often discovered at older ages, but it may occur at any age. Most meningiomas grow very slowly, often over many years without causing symptoms. However, they can cause serious disability if they affect nearby brain tissue, nerves, or vessels. Meningiomas are categorized into three grades, with the majority being benign, but some being atypical or malignant. They are more common in women and may be related to factors such as genes, hormones, prior exposure to radiation, or other unknown causes