Are Meningiomas Common?

Meningiomas are the most common type of primary brain tumour, accounting for approximately 34% of all primary brain tumours diagnosed. A surprising fact is that 2% of routine autopsies reveal primary brain tumors that have been undiagnosed putting the stated figure of 34% on the low side!

What Are Meningiomas?

Meningiomas are tumors that grow on the delicate outer covering of the brain. This covering is called the meninges.

If you have just been told that you have a brain tumor you are probably still in shock and trying to process the information. For me, I felt like everything in my life had turned upside down and nothing was making any sense. I had so many questions; am I going to die or can it be cured? What are my options for treatment, will I still be able to function as I am now? What are the risks and after effects? How do I tell my family? And what the heck is a meningioma anyway, why have I got one and how did I get it?

I had never known anyone else who had been diagnosed with a brain tumor so the first thing I did was to try and hold it together and set about finding out as much as I could about this diagnosis. Amazingly, I found that thousands of people are diagnosed with meningiomas each year! So, I was not alone and it appeared that many have successful treatments and continue on with a productive and satisfying life.

A meningioma tumor develops from the meninges, the membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. The mininges are made up of three layers, called the dura mater, arachnoid and pia mater. Most meningiomas are benign tumors. However, this benign brain tumor is unlike benign tumors elsewhere in the body and if they are located in a position that is difficult to access can be life threatening or cause disability. Most benign meningiomas appear to grow slowly. I was totally unaware of mine, which was 3cm diameter when removed. I was made aware of its presence because it was fighting for space and pressing into my brain which began affecting another part of my body which was concerning enough tonecessitate a visit to my doctor. Although most people develop a single meningioma, it is possible to have several tumors growing simultaneously in different parts of the brain and spinal cord. To follow my story in full take a look at my book 'My Brain Tumour'.

Russell Watson News

Russell Watson

Hope you all saw the Russell Watson interview with Piers Morgan. It was very moving and it was great to see Russell's daughters in the audience. It is fabulous to see Russell looking so well and also to see that he is now in a new relationship. I wish him all the best for a tumor free future and lots of good wishes for the up and coming tour and new album 'La Voce'.

Russell was recently put under the microscope in a Daily Mail interview which revealed a little of his life after brain surgery:
Question:
Do You Pop Any Pills?

Answer:
He has regular medication along with a hormone injection at night. His pituitary gland was damaged by the brain tumour and sufficient growth hormone and hydrcortisone are not produced.

Question:
Have you tried alternative medicine like say acupuncture?

Answer:
No. This was mentioned to his endocrinologist who's reaction was to turn a pale colour and comment that this would be OK if he wanted to be dead.

Christine's Message

Newly Diagnosed

Hi everyone

I've recently heard from Christine who has been diagnosed this year. Your journey begins here Christine and I wish you a very safe one with a very happy outcome. xx