A meningioma is a tumor that develops from the meninges- the protective membranes that line and envelope the brain and spinal cord. While the vast majority of meningiomas are benign and exceptionally slow-growing, their presence can eventually pose significant clinical challenges. Because they grow within the fixed boundaries of the skull or spinal canal, they can slowly expand and cause severe compression of the adjacent brain tissue, cranial nerves, or spinal cord.
Many meningiomas are discovered incidentally during imaging for an unrelated issue and cause no active symptoms. In these scenarios, Helios Neurosurgery prioritizes a calm, analytical approach. Rather than rushing into an unnecessary operation, we often recommend a strategy of careful surveillance, utilizing periodic high-resolution MRIs to monitor for any structural expansion over time.
If a meningioma is large, growing, or causing symptomatic mass effect- such as progressive headaches, visual changes, balance issues, or localized weakness- surgical intervention becomes the clear path forward.
Dr. Lee approaches meningioma resection with careful preparation and quiet command. The surgical goal is to achieve a complete, radical removal of the tumor along with its membranous attachment, whenever safe. We utilize advanced skull base corridors and micro-neurosurgical techniques designed to gently separate the tumor from the surrounding brain tissue, protecting critical vascular structures and restoring long-term neurological safety.
