Can Meningioma Grow Back?

Meningioma, like any other type of brain tumor, can grow back after treatment. However, meningiomas are less likely to come back than other, more aggressive types of brain tumors.

What influences the meningioma recurrence rate?

When a meningioma is completely removed during treatment, it is much less likely to recur. In some studies, as few as 5 percent of all completely resected meningiomas came back within five years of initial treatment. The risk of recurrence depends also on the grade of the tumor. Most meningiomas are truly benign, which means that a complete resection can be curative.

How is recurrent meningioma treated?

There are several options for treating recurrent meningiomas. Stereotactic radiosurgery, for instance, is sometimes recommended for recurrent tumors that cannot be removed with traditional surgery. Sometimes, single-agent targeted therapies (medications used to destroy cancerous cells without harming healthy cells) may also be recommended.

At Moffitt Cancer Center, we welcome patients with all types, grades and stages of brain tumors, including high-grade and recurrent meningioma. Every patient, regardless of his or her diagnosis, is provided with an individualized treatment plan. This may include the newest and most effective therapies as well as supportive care options aimed at improving quality of life. This comprehensive approach, combined with the expertise of our neuro-oncologists, has led countless individuals to entrust us with their meningioma treatment.

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Michael Vogelbaum, Program Leader, Department of Neuro-Oncology and Chief of Neurosurgery

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with primary or recurrent meningioma and you would like to learn more about your treatment options, call 1-888-663-3488 or submit a new patient registration form online to request an appointment. Our patients do not need to have physician referrals.