You may also want to discuss it with a nurse or doctor involved in your treatment. Most brain tumours are named after the cells from which they develop. These cells normally grow in an orderly and controlled way, but if for some reason this order is disrupted the cells continue to divide and form a lump or tumour. A meningioma is a tumour of the meninges which is the protective lining of the brain and spinal cord. It can occur in any part of the brain or spinal cord but the commonest sites are the cerebral hemispheres of the brain.
Most meningiomas are benign and malignant meningiomas are extremely rare.
They are most likely to be found in middle aged or elderly adults. Meningiomas are more common in women than men. Like most brain tumours the cause of meningioma is unknown. Research is being carried out into possible causes. Raised intracranial pressure can cause headaches, vomiting and visual problems.