Singer Sheryl Crow announced recently she has been diagnosed with a
meningioma, the most common type of benign brain tumor.
In May 2011, actress Mary Tyler Moore had a similar tumor removed from
the lining of her brain and Elizabeth Taylor had one removed in 1997.
When a celebrity faces a health scare, it's only natural for people to
wonder if this can happen to them. We talked to a neurosurgeon to help educate
the community about this disorder.
"It's reported that two cases per 100,000 individuals have this sort of
tumor," said Dr. Cynthia Africk, a local neurosurgeon. "It is usually found
between those who are 40 to 70 in age and it is more common in women. This
type of tumor makes up approximately 12 percent to 15 percent of all brain
primary tumors."
Africk is a neurosurgeon on staff at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton and
has a private practice. She is chair of the Miami Valley Hospital section of
neurosurgery.
Q: What is a meningioma?
A: "A tumor that comes from a covering of the brain called the meninges."
Q: What are the causes of a meningioma?
A: "No one knows exactly why they grow. It is typically a benign tumor."
Q: Is there anything people can do to prevent getting a meningioma?
A: "Unfortunately, no."
Q: Crow said she had an MRI after she experienced memory problems,
according to USA TODAY. What are the main symptoms that could be caused by
this type of tumor?
A: "The symptoms are widely variable. No two people have the same
symptoms. Symptoms can be, but are not limited to weakness, hearing loss,
speech disturbances and vision changes. The symptoms are similar to that of a
stroke."
Q: Beyond this specific condition, what are the warning signs for brain
issues?
A: "The warning signs are severe headaches, difficulty in speech,
weakness to one side or another, nausea, vomiting, vision changes and
seizures."
Q: If people are experiencing these symptoms, what should they do?
A: "Call their doctor if they are having these symptoms, or they should
go to the ER in case it is a stroke. There is no way to tell the difference
between a stroke or meningioma until they are evaluated."
Q: Crow said she won't have surgery, according to USA TODAY. What are the
treatment options for a tumor like this?
A: "Treatment varies on the individual. Most are operated on, but some
can be followed with just serial imaging."
Q: Are meningiomas more common in women than men? If so, why?
A: "Yes. It is unknown why."
