Each year nearly 40,000 Americans are diagnosed with meningiomas — the most common type of primary brain tumors, according to the National Brain Tumor Society.
In fact, meningiomas, which begin in the meninges or outer three layers of the protective tissue between the brain and the skull, account for 30% of all brain tumors, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Meningiomas Statistics
Majority of these tumors – 80% to 90% — are benign. And while they can occur at any age, the risk increases as a person ages, and women are more likely to be diagnosed with meningiomas than men, according to the American Cancer Society.
Risk factors include having certain genetic mutations as well as excess body weight, cigarette smoking and radiation exposure.
Symptoms may include headaches, vision changes, seizures, loss of hearing, loss of smell, weakness in an arm or leg and even changes in behavior.
Once diagnosed, doctors grade the meningiomas.
Grade 1 tumors are the most common. They tend to be benign, slow growing, and do not invade nearby areas. However, if they grow large enough, they can cause problems.
Grade 2 tumors grow faster and can invade nearby areas. They also can recur after surgery.
Grade 3 meningiomas are fast-growing and cancerous. They can spread to nearby tissue and other parts of the body. They are the most likely to come back after treatment.
Meningioma Treatments: The CyberKnife Advantage
Doctors tend to monitor meningiomas that aren’t causing issues.
But for symptomatic tumors, treatment often includes surgery or radiation therapy. The treatment option often depends on a patient’s overall health, preference and location of the tumor.
However, a growing body of research suggests “CyberKnife, a non-surgical form of radiation called stereotactic radiosurgery, is a highly effective and safe treatment modality for meningiomas. It offers significant benefit in tumor control, symptom relief, and maintaining the quality of life with minimal adverse effects. The precision and adaptability of CyberKnife technology make it a valuable addition to the treatment arsenal for meningiomas.”
A review of 21 studies looking at the efficacy and safety of CyberKnife for meningioma found: “This treatment modality is a significant advancement, especially for patients who are advised not to have surgery or whose tumors are in anatomically challenging positions.”
The review from 2024 also says CyberKnife, “is anticipated to remain at the forefront of minimally invasive tumor management strategies, ultimately enhancing the therapeutic landscape for patients with meningiomas.”
CyberKnife for Meningiomas
CyberKnife delivers sub-millimeter precision radiation directly to the tumor while minimizing damage to healthy tissue, according to the experts at the CyberKnife Center of Miami – South Florida’s premiere radiation cancer treatment center.
“We treat tumors a lot faster, safer and effectively. Because the beams target only the tumor, sparing surrounding tissue from harm, it does a better job at eliminating tumors, with few if any side effects. Because patients require many fewer treatments, they can get cancer treatment behind them in much less time, causing the least disruption to their daily lives,” says Dr. Mark Pomper, medical director of CyberKnife Miami and board-certified radiation oncologist.
- CyberKnife has been approved to treat brain tumors – both benign and malignant tumors — for 25 years.
- For patients who are not surgical candidates, CyberKnife could be a beneficial alternative treatment option.
- Most side effects from CyberKnife are temporary but can include fatigue, nausea and skin irritation.
- CyberKnife targets tumors in real time. That means if a patient moves his head slightly, CyberKnife moves with the patient. This accuracy can minimize life-altering side effects and help preserve your long-term quality of life.
- Patients typically need one to five treatments over a one-or two-week period.
- Patients can also be treated again in the case of recurrence.
CyberKnife Treatment in Miami
CyberKnife Miami opened our doors in 2003. We were the first CyberKnife center to open in the Southeast. And we’re the leading experts in South Florida when it comes to treating brain tumors with CyberKnife.
We’re here to help you whether you come to us first, you’re seeking a second opinion or you’re confused about the right treatment for you.
For more details or to schedule a consultation with one of our cancer experts at CyberKnife Miami, call us at 305-279-2900 or go to our website now www.cyberknifemiami.com.