Meningioma
Brief definition
A meningioma is a tumor arising from the meninges — the three layers of connective tissue that envelop the brain and spinal cord. More than 80% of meningiomas are benign (WHO grade 1); they grow slowly and often cause no symptoms for years. They are among the most common tumors found inside the skull.
What is behind this finding?
The MRI report gives the location (“right frontal convexity meningioma,” say, or “sphenoid wing meningioma”), the size in three dimensions and how the tumor takes up contrast. Two features are characteristic: the tumor brightens evenly with contrast, and it trails a “dural tail,” a thin streak of enhancement running along the meninges. The radiologist also looks at whether the meningioma is pushing brain tissue aside, whether the brain next to it has become swollen, and whether it involves anything critical such as the optic nerve, a venous sinus or the brainstem. A great many meningiomas are found by accident, on scans ordered for something else entirely.
What does this mean for you?
Hearing the words “brain tumor” is frightening, but the outlook with a benign meningioma is usually very good. Small ones that cause no symptoms are typically watched rather than removed, and an MRI once a year is often all that is needed. Surgery comes into the picture when the tumor grows, when it causes neurological symptoms such as seizures, weakness or vision changes, or when it sits somewhere dangerous. For small tumors in places a surgeon can barely reach, focused radiation such as Gamma Knife is a good alternative.
When is a second opinion worthwhile?
This is one of the findings where a second opinion pays off most. The choice between watching a meningioma and removing it is rarely clear-cut, and recommendations differ from one center to the next. If you are told to have surgery right away even though you have no symptoms and no one has documented growth, get a second assessment first. At Second View, board-certified neuroradiologists review your MRI independently, within 48 hours.
How can I request a second opinion?
1. Get in touch
Contact us through our platform.
2. A radiologist gets back to you
A board-certified radiologist contacts you personally and works with you to pin down exactly which question the second opinion should answer — and whether your existing images (MRI, CT, or X-ray) are suitable for a second read.
3. Transparent, upfront pricing
You then receive a firm quote — usually €70–150, depending on the type of exam.
4. The second reading
Once you approve and pay, our radiologists — all licensed to practice in Germany — review your images carefully and independently.
5. Your report & follow-up questions
Your report arrives digitally, written in plain, easy-to-understand language.
If anything is unclear, you can speak directly with the radiologist who read your images.
Tip:
Many private health insurers reimburse some or all of the cost of a radiological second opinion.
You’ll receive an invoice you can submit to your insurer. If you have German statutory health insurance (GKV), you currently pay for the second opinion yourself — statutory insurance does not cover it (Section 27b of the German Social Code, Book V).