A few questions about the treatment of benign and malignant meningiomas with radiofrequency knife

     First, what treatments are available for meningiomas.  The most common and effective treatments include craniotomy for removal, radiosurgery (gamma knife, radio wave knife, etc.). There is no definite drug treatment available, so please do not trust the so-called folk remedies easily.  Second, whether treatment is definitely needed and how to treat it.  More than 95% of meningiomas are benign tumors and grow more slowly. However, the growth may be stimulated by unknown reasons. Therefore, it is recommended to review the tumor every year with or without treatment if found. The only review required is a cranial enhancement MRI.  Meningiomas with significant calcification in the elderly can be reviewed and observed first, and treatment can be selected as appropriate.  If the patient is young, tolerates surgery well, and is in an easily operable location (convex meningioma), surgical resection is recommended.  If the tumor is large enough to be tolerated, surgical resection is recommended.  If the patient is too old (>70 years old) for surgery, or if the tumor is recurrent or difficult to operate (mid-posterior skull base tumor, intracranial-extracranial communication tumor), direct radiofrequency knife treatment is also available.  For patients with non-benign meningiomas, aggressive treatment is recommended. This is because such meningiomas recur quickly. They should be reviewed regularly and treated promptly in case of recurrence.  Again, common adverse effects of radiofrequency knife treatment for meningioma.  Adverse reactions to radiofrequency knife treatment of meningioma are mild and less common.  Dizziness and headache. If you experience dizziness or mild headache, observation and rest is recommended.  Local edema is a common adverse effect. It may occur that the patient’s existing symptoms worsen, or that the headache interferes with normal work. If this symptom is present, treatment with staged dehydration is recommended.  Epilepsy. Some patients may experience seizures after radiation therapy because of the close relationship between the tumor and brain tissue. Continuous antiepileptic treatment is recommended, and if edema is present, simultaneous dehydration is recommended.  Finally, the prognosis of radiofrequency knife treatment for meningioma.  Radiofrequency knife treatment for meningioma is an alternative and complementary to surgical treatment. It is not a complete substitute for surgery. Meningiomas may stop growing or shrink after radiofrequency treatment, but there is no guarantee that they will not recur. All meningioma patients are advised to maintain regular review.