Brain tumours
Cancer types
Meningioma
Tumours that start in the brain, such as gliomas, meningioma and primary CNS lymphoma, and cancers that have spread to the brain from elsewhere.
Tumours that start in the brain, such as gliomas, meningioma and primary CNS lymphoma, and cancers that have spread to the brain from elsewhere.
This map explains meningioma step by step: what it is, the types, the tests, the stages, the treatment and its side effects.
Tap any topic on the map to read about it. Topics with an arrow open more topics.
Tap a grade on the map.
Why this matters: the grade decides whether treatment is needed after surgery.
About 8 out of 10. Slow growing, usually cured if fully removed.
Grows faster and is more likely to come back. Radiotherapy may be added after surgery.
Rare. Grows fast and behaves like a cancer. Surgery and radiotherapy are needed.
Tap a test on the map to see why it is done.
Please wait for all the reports. Why we wait
Shows the typical appearance, the size and the relation to nerves and blood vessels. Often enough to make the diagnosis without a biopsy.
Gives the grade. Some mutations (such as TERT or CDKN2A) mean a higher grade.
When the tumour is near the nerves of vision or hearing.
Before starting chemotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted therapy, these tests check that you are fit for treatment, and give a starting point to compare with later.
| Test | Why it is done |
|---|---|
| CBC (complete blood count) | Haemoglobin, white cells and platelets. Treatment can lower them. |
| RFT (kidney function) | Many medicines are cleared by the kidneys; the dose may need to change. |
| LFT (liver function) | Many medicines are processed by the liver. |
| Viral markers: HBsAg, anti-HCV, HIV | Hepatitis B can flare up during treatment. If positive, a tablet is given to prevent this. |
| Blood sugar (and HbA1c if diabetic) | Steroids given with chemotherapy can raise blood sugar. |
| ECG and 2D Echo | Check the heart rhythm and pumping before treatment, as some medicines affect the heart. |
Before immunotherapy, also:
| Test | Why it is done |
|---|---|
| Serum TSH (thyroid) | Immunotherapy can affect the thyroid gland. |
| Serum cortisol (morning sample) | Immunotherapy can affect the adrenal and pituitary glands. |
Sometimes needed, depending on your treatment:
Your doctor will choose the tests that apply to you. Some of them are repeated during treatment.
Tap your situation on the map.
Side effects: surgery · radiotherapy
Tap a treatment on the map.
A seizure, sudden severe headache with vomiting, new weakness, confusion, or loss of vision need urgent care.
This information is general. Your own treatment plan may be different. Please discuss it with your doctor.
Written and medically reviewed by Dr Prathyusha Eaga, MD, DM (Medical Oncology). Last reviewed: 12 October 2026. Based on NCCN and ESMO guidelines.
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