Evaluation of Contributive Factors on Recurrence of Intracranial Meningioma

Meningiomas are common benign tumors of the central nervoussystem. Patients with meningiomas achieve postoperative optimal functional recovery,but there is a probability of tumor recurrence months or years after surgical resection.This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of recurrent meningioma and thecorrelation between tumor recurrence and certain factors. We performed a retrospective descriptive-analytical studyof patients with meningiomas who underwent surgical treatment in hospitals affiliatedwith Shiraz University of Medical Sciences during a 20-year period (1988 to 2008).Factors including sex, age, bone changes, peritumoral edema, histological subtypes,tumor size, shape, location and resection degree, and recurrence time were evaluatedin each patient. The recurrence rate of intracranial meningioma in a total of 644 patientsincluded in the study was 10%. Statistical analysis of data showed a correlation betweenedema, bone changes, tumor size and shape, and histological subtypes. No relationshipwas found between age, sex and tumor location. This study has shown a statisticalcorrelation between radiotherapy and a reduced probability of tumor recurrence or growthafter surgical resection. Although the majority of meningiomas are benign, they can havemalignant presentations. Recurrence occurs after a shorter period of time in patientswith malignant and atypical meningiomas than in patients with benign meningiomas.Edema, bone changes, large size, special tumor shape and malignant histologicalsubtypes are important prognostic factors that predict the probability of tumorrecurrence or growth. Findings show a statistical correlation between the degree oftumor resection and its recurrence. This study recommends a more complete tumorresection along with adjuvant therapy and closer follow-up to decrease the risk oftumor recurrence.