Malignant meningeal neoplasms refer to a group of aggressive and cancerous tumors that affect the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, known as the meninges. These tumors originate from cells within the meninges or spread from other parts of the body to the meninges.
These neoplasms are characterized by uncontrolled and abnormal cell growth, leading to the formation of malignant tumors in the meninges. They can be primary, meaning they originate within the meninges, or secondary, resulting from the spread or metastasis of cancer cells from other parts of the body, such as breast, lung, or skin cancer.
Symptoms of malignant meningeal neoplasms may vary depending on the size, location, and extent of the tumor. Common symptoms include persistent headaches, seizures, nausea, vomiting, changes in vision or hearing, difficulty walking or balancing, and cognitive or behavioral changes.
Diagnosis of malignant meningeal neoplasms usually involves imaging tests, such as computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), followed by a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. Treatment options for these aggressive tumors may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. However, the prognosis of malignant meningeal neoplasms is generally poor due to their aggressive nature and potential for metastasis to other parts of the central nervous system.
