What is a meningioma?

A meningioma is classified as a tumor of the meninges, which are the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. These tumors arise specifically from the dura mater, which is the outermost layer of the meninges. Meningiomas are typically benign, although they can sometimes exhibit aggressive behavior depending on their location and size. Their origin from the meninges differentiates them from other types of brain tumors, which may arise from neural tissue itself, or from nerve cells. Understanding the specific nature of meningiomas is critical for proper diagnosis and treatment planning, as these tumors may not always present with obvious neurological symptoms and can be detected incidentally during imaging studies.