Meningioma, a disease that progresses silently but is dangerous

Thinking that insomnia is just an "old age disease", many people easily suffer for many years without knowing that they are suffering from a terminal illness.

The case of Ms. H. (59 years old, Hanoi ) is a typical example when for many years she accepted constant insomnia, only occasionally using sleep aids, without thinking that this could be a warning sign of a serious health problem.

Patient's X-ray film.

Only when the headaches became more frequent and affected her daily life, did she decide to go to MEDLATEC General Hospital for a general health check-up.

Here, after a clinical examination and comprehensive assessment, the doctor ordered her to undergo a brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the most modern method to evaluate brain morphology.

The MRI results surprised Ms. H. when she found a large tumor on the left side of her forehead, measuring about 27x15mm, suspected to be a meningioma. Thanks to the timely detection, the doctor advised a safe and effective intervention plan, limiting the risk of complications.

Ms. H.'s case is an important reminder that seemingly simple disorders such as prolonged insomnia or persistent headaches can be warning signs of serious health problems. Early examination helps detect the disease at an early stage, which is the most favorable time for treatment, limiting the risk of complications and protecting long-term health.

Meningiomas are tumors that develop from the arachnoid layer of the meninges, accounting for about 15% of brain tumors. The disease can occur at any age but is more common in adults and women than men. Most meningiomas are slow-growing and benign, but some can be malignant.

Most meningiomas progress silently, without obvious symptoms, making it difficult for patients to detect early. When the tumor is large enough to compress brain structures or cranial nerves, the symptoms will vary depending on the location: headache, increased intracranial pressure syndrome, insomnia, decreased vision, double vision, strabismus, tinnitus, hearing loss, weakness or paralysis of the limbs, seizures, behavioral changes, memory loss or sleep disorders.

MSc. Le Quynh Son, Department of Diagnostic Imaging, MEDLATEC Cau Giay General Clinic, said that MRI and CT are the leading imaging diagnostic tools in evaluating brain tumor lesions. These two techniques not only accurately determine the location and size of the tumor but also provide a multidimensional view of the relationship between the lesion and surrounding brain structures.

Brain MRI is particularly useful in determining the cause of abnormal symptoms such as dizziness, persistent headaches, muscle weakness, vision loss, hearing loss, epilepsy, hemorrhage, cerebral edema, brain damage due to trauma or stroke. In particular, MRI also helps detect small cerebral infarctions early, even before clinical symptoms appear.

Doctors recommend that cases of prolonged headaches or insomnia of unknown cause should be examined and further evaluated by MRI or CT to detect early brain damage, thereby intervening promptly, improving treatment effectiveness and protecting long-term health.

Source: https://baodautu.vn/u-mang-nao-benh-ly-tien-trien-am-tham-nhung-nguy-hiem-d447546.html