Meningioma

Meningiomas are tumors arising from the meninges, or the protective membranes covering the brain. These tumors arise from arachnoid cells of the meninges, are most commonly found in adults, and are more common in females than in males.

Due to their meningeal origin, these tumors are often found attached to brain surfaces and in the parasagittal region (along the falx cerebri). The tumors are located extra-axially (outside the brain tissue), and may have a dural attachment or "tail".

While most meningiomas are asymptomatic, patients experiencing symptoms secondary to mass effects can elect to have their meningiomas surgically removed. Pathology of tumors will reveal the presence of psammoma bodies and spindle cells arranged in a whorled pattern.

Find Meningioma and other Neurological Disorders among Pixorize's visual mnemonics for the USMLE Step 1 and NBME Shelf Exams.