Common Locations (Types) of Meningiomas

Meningiomas are often described by their location within the brain. The most common are:

Convexity Meningioma
Convexity meningioma grow on the surface of the brain
directly under the skull. Accounting for approximately 20%
of meningiomas, convexity meningiomas may not present
symptoms until the tumor has become quite large. If large
enough, however, convexity meningiomas will present
symptoms based on its location and where it is pushing on
the brain.

Falcine and Parasagittal Meningioma

Falcine and parasagittal meningioma, which forms in
the falx a very thin layer of tissue between the two sides
of the brain (falcine meningioma), or near the falx
(parasagittal meningioma)

Intraventricular Meningioma
Intraventricular meningioma, which forms within the
ventricular system in the brain, which is where
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is made and distributed. An
intraventricular meningioma may cause an obstruction of
CSF, leading to hydrocephalus.

Skull Base Meningiomas

Some meningiomas form in the bones that form the bottom of the skull and the bony ridge in the back of the eyes.
Skull base meningiomas are more difficult to remove surgically than convexity meningiomas.

Skull base meningiomas also include:

Sphenoid Wing Meningioma

Sphenoid wing meningioma, which forms on the skull
base behind the eyes. Approximately 20% of meningiomas
are sphenoid wing.

Olfactory Groove Meningioma

Olfactory groove meningioma, which forms along the
nerves connecting the brain to the nose. Olfactory groove
meningiomas account for around 10% of meningiomas. This
type of tumor can cause a loss of smell, and if overgrown,
can cause problems with vision.

Posterior Fossa / Petrous Meningioma

Posterior fossa / petrous meningioma, which forms on
the underside of the brain. Accounting for approximately
10% of meningiomas, posterior fossa meningiomas can
press on the cranial nerves, causing facial and hearing
problems. Petrous meningiomas often press on
the trigeminal nerve, causing a condition
called trigeminal neuralgia.

Suprasellar Meningioma
Suprasellar meningioma, which forms in the center of
the base of the skull. Tumors in this area can cause visual
problems and dysfunction of the pituitary gland.

How meningiomas are graded:

The grade (I to III) of a meningioma is based on the tumor cells appearance under a microscope. Grade I is the most
common and benign, and grade III is the most aggressive and is considered malignant.

example of a grade I meningioma

example of a grade II meningioma

example of a grade III meningioma

There are three main grades (classifications) of meningiomas:

Grade I Benign meningioma: This non-cancerous type of brain tumor grows slowly and has
distinct borders. Approximately 78-81% of meningiomas are benign (non-cancerous).

Grade II Atypical meningioma: Approximately 15-20% of meningiomas are atypical,

meaning that the tumor cells do not appear typical or normal. Atypical meningiomas are neither
malignant (cancerous) nor benign, but may become malignant. Grade II atypical meningiomas also
tend to recur and grow faster.

Grade III Malignant or anaplastic meningioma: Malignant or anaplastic meningioma is

an aggressive type of brain tumor that tends to invade the parts of the brain nearest to the tumor.
Approximately 1-4% of meningiomas are grade III (cancerous).