Meningiomas account for approximately 44% of all intracranial tumors in females and 21% in males. 74% of all diagnosed meningiomas occur in women. They are the only variety of central nervous system tumor diagnosed more often in women than in men and can oocur at any age but seem to be more prevalent in women over 40.
So, the obvious question to the above facts would be why more in women than men? We know we are diffeerent so surely there has to be an outstanding reason?
The only known risk factor for meningiomas is previous exposure to ionizing radiation of the head, such as being exposed to the radiation while being treated for a previous brain tumor. It has also been discovered that there is a correlation between the disease Neurofibromatosis and meningiomas. I was also advised that it could possibly be a chromosomal abnormality but due to so many not being diagnosed and the lack of funding for research in this area the reasons are largely unknown.
What we are told is that there is certain evidence that elevated levels of female hormones may promote growth or regrowth of meningiomas and these facts could account for the percentage rates above.
It could be that whilst we thought we were taking a proactive stance in looking after our bodies ladies, in a controlled fashion, the benefits of such hormonal medication as birth control, infertility treatments, hormone replacement therepy may be outweighed by the risks for a percentage of women and these medications should certainly be discussed fully and carefully for any women who have previously been treated for a meningioma.
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3 comments:
I had a benign meningioma too at age 41. I am now 48. Mine was the size of a large plum and they was not for sure they could even get to it as it was in the very middle of my head. I am now having post surgical issues that are non life threatening but very life altering. I would love to be a part of a support group of this fashion or start one in my area. I am glad to hear other people talk about it.
Hi Lynda,
I was so glad to find your blog today. I too had a meningioma removed in 2009. Mine was left parietal and was 9cm. I'm so glad you're doing well, and am lucky to be making a good recovery too. I was really interested in the statistics you posted about the percentage of women versus men who are diagnosed with these tumors. would you mind telling me where you located them? I'd love to share more of my experience with a fellow 'sister in arms'. All the best.
Ajr2362 welcome to my blog and thanks for the contribution. Sorry I have been so long in answering but I have been travelling for the last month. My statistics are usually gathered from the Brain Science Foundation http://www.brainsciencefoundation.org or The National Brain Tumour Society where I subscribe for up todate info. You may be very interested in the most recent post dated 11th March and the Q&A session from their recent webinar - very interesting!
Yours was a very large tumor and I'm pleased to hear your recovery continues well. I'm coming up to my 5th year anniversary in July and sometimes it's hard to believe it happened at all, but I'm never complacent!
If you would like to share your story I would be happy to post it for you, just let me know.
Regards 'sister in arms'
Lyn
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