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Meningioma Prognosis and Life Expectancy: Key Prognostic Factors for Neurosurgeons

Image of a Hispanic neurosurgeon in his 40s reviewing brain scans of a meningioma in a modern hospital. He is wearing a white coat and glasses, displaying a focused expression. In the background, a diverse medical team discusses with charts and tablets, reflecting a collaborative environment in a high-tech setting, emphasizing meningioma prognosis, life expectancy, and survival factors.

Meningiomas are the most common primary tumors of the central nervous system, with an annual incidence of 5 per 100,000 people. Although most are benign grade I tumors, a significant percentage can be atypical (grade II) or anaplastic (grade III), which considerably affects the meningioma prognosis and meningioma life expectancy. For neurosurgeons, understanding the meningioma prognostic factors is crucial for treatment planning and predicting brain tumor survival.

Prognostic Factors and Life Expectancy

The prognosis of meningiomas depends on several factors, including histological grade, extent of surgical resection, and the presence of specific molecular characteristics. Grade I meningiomas generally have a good prognosis, with a ten-year survival rate exceeding 80% [1]. However, atypical and anaplastic meningiomas present a higher risk of recurrence and lower survival rates. In particular, anaplastic meningiomas have a ten-year survival rate of only 15% [2].

Total resection of the tumor is a significant positive prognostic factor. Studies have shown that total resection, especially in grade II and III meningiomas, is associated with better brain tumor survival and a lower recurrence rate [3]. Additionally, adjuvant radiotherapy may improve progression-free survival in grade II and III meningiomas, although its impact on overall survival is less clear [4].

Advances in the molecular characterization of meningiomas are also providing new insights into prognosis and treatment. Genetic mutations such as NF2, SMO, TERT, and TRAF7, as well as methylation profiles, are being investigated to refine histological classification and offer new therapeutic options [5].

Conclusions

The management of meningiomas requires careful evaluation of meningioma prognostic factors to optimize treatment and improve meningioma life expectancy. Complete surgical resection remains the cornerstone of treatment, complemented by radiotherapy in selected cases. Ongoing research in the molecular biology of meningiomas promises to enhance our ability to predict tumor behavior and personalize therapeutic strategies.

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Created 14/1/2025