Causes and Risk Factors of Meningioma

The exact cause of meningioma, the most common brain tumor, is unknown. Mutations (changes to genes) are one of the main causes of cancer and certain genetic conditions may increase the risk of developing meningioma.

This article will explain more about the causes and risk factors of getting a meningioma.

Common Causes  

Although researchers are still studying the exact cause of a meningioma, they know that mutations cause cells to grow out of control and form a tumor. In meningiomas, the tumor starts in the meninges, which are membranes (layers of tissues) that surround the spinal cord and brain.

Genetics

Genetics may affect your chances of having meningioma. It may be possible for you to inherit mutations that cause this tumor. Researchers are still exploring the mutations seen in meningioma tumors.

Risk Factors

There are genetic conditions that increase your risk of brain tumors. You are more likely to get a meningioma if you have:

• Monosomy 22: This is a rare disorder that causes the deletion of all or part of chromosome 22. 
• Neurofibromatosis type 2: This inherited disorder affects the nervous system and causes tumors to develop on nerves.
• Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome: This rare disorder causes tumors to grow in many organs.
• Turcot syndrome: This rare disorder causes growths to develop in the colon and rectum in addition to tumors in the brain.
• Li-Fraumeni syndrome: This rare disorder increases the risk of developing a meningioma, including multiple meningiomas.

Other risk factors for meningiomas include:

• Exposure to high levels of radiation: Survivors of the atomic bombings at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, during World War II, people who underwent radiation therapy used to treat brain cancer, and people treated with radiation in childhood for tinea capitis (scalp ringworm) have an increased risk of brain tumor.
• Sex: Females are more likely to have a meningioma than males. Meningioma tumors often have sex hormone receptors, which may factor into the difference in risk.
• Other factors: A study found that low physical activity, increased body mass index (BMI, an indication of being overweight or obese), taller height, and history of uterine fibroids can raise the risk in older women.

Summary

Meningioma is a type of tumor that affects the brain and spinal cord. Mutations cause changes to cells and make them grow out of control, and they can form tumors, including meningiomas. Genetics and other risk factors may play a role in causing this type of tumor.

A Word From Verywell

Determining the exact cause of your meningioma is difficult and often not possible. It is important to remember that you cannot control all risk factors for brain tumors, so you should not blame yourself for having a meningioma. In addition, researchers are still trying to figure out the role of genetics in the developiment of this type of tumor. 

If you have a meningioma, consider joining in-person or virtual brain tumor support groups. There are many options for groups, so you have a variety to choose from and connect with others who are dealing with cancer. Ask your doctor about local support groups if you are struggling to find one. Many hospitals have started groups for patients and their loved ones.