Meningiomas are primary nervous system tumors arising from meningoepithelial cells and are the most common intracranial tumor in cats. Tumor prevalence increases with age, and most clinically significant tumors are diagnosed in cats over 9 years of age. There is no breed or sex predilection. The tumors grow expansively, leading to compression, but rarely to invasion of the brain parenchyma. Spinal cord meningiomas are rare in cats compared with their occurrence in dogs. Feline meningiomas are usually more easily separated from the brain parenchyma than are canine tumors. Most tumors are benign, with rare exceptions. Cytologic and histologic morphology of the cells is bland and uniform. Cells may display either epithelial or mesenchymal characteristics or both. The tumors are most often located in the supratentorial meninges and over the cerebral convexities. Third ventricle tumors may also arise. The tumors are globular, smooth-surfaced, well-defined masses with a broad meningeal base and are usually solitary. Cats with brain tumors most often present to veterinarians due to a behavioral change and less often because of seizures. Onset of signs may be slow and insidious. Nonspecific clinical signs necessitate an orderly, comprehensive work up. Advanced imaging (CT or MRI) is most useful, because radiographs of the skull do not provide sufficient information. Surgical removal is the primary mode of therapy for intracranial meningiomas in cats. Other therapy is not usually needed, with surgical intervention providing additional years of life in many cases. Recurrence occurs in approximately 20% of cases, and second surgeries are feasible.
Links to sections in MVM:
Neoplasia of the Nervous System
References:
Ijiri A, Yoshiki K, Tsuboi S, et al. Surgical resection of twenty-three cases of brain meningioma. J Vet Med Sci. 2014 Mar;76(3):331-8. doi.org/10.1292/jvms.12-0373
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