Meningioma prognosis

About meningiomas

There are three membranes inside the skull, called the meninges. These provide protection for the brain, and for the spinal cord. But, brain tumours can actually form in these membranes, and these tumours are called meningiomas.

Meningioma brain tumours mostly affect adults and are very rare in children.

Meningiomas fall into grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3 brain tumours. They can also differ within these grades, but they’re usually slow-growing and aren’t likely to spread.

For more about meningioma brain tumours and their grades, please read our meningioma page.

Meningioma prognosis

A prognosis is when your doctor gives you a forecast of the likely outcome of your medical condition.

Your doctor cannot be absolutely certain about what will happen to you following a diagnosis of a meningioma. They can give you an estimate, based on your diagnosis and current situation. But, there are things that they might not be able to predict, like how well you could respond to treatment. This is why meningioma prognosis is often an ongoing process and your medical team will likely revise it at different stages in your journey.

Meningioma survival rate

Low grade (grade 1 and 2)

More than 80% of people with this type of meningioma survive for 5 years or more after diagnosis.

High grade (grade 3)

More than 60% of people with a high grade meningioma survive for 5 years or more after diagnosis.

The figures listed above are given in 5 year intervals. This is because doctors use 1, 2, 5 and 10 year intervals for research/measuring purposes. They are not meant to represent how long a person will live past those intervals. For example, a patient who is a 5 year survivor in their meningioma prognosis might live as long as any other healthy person, depending on their circumstances.

It is important to remember that statistics and averages cannot tell you what will happen to you specifically.

Read more about meningioma brain tumour types and treatments.

Get support

If you need someone to talk to or advice on where to get help, our Support and Information team is available by phone, email or live-chat.

Support and Info Line

Receiving information about a brain tumour prognosis

Different people approach their meningioma prognosis in different ways.

• Some do not want to know, because they are afraid of what they might hear and how it may affect them
• Some just need some time to cope with their diagnosis before asking about their prognosis
• Others may want to know from the beginning, using their prognosis to plan ahead

Whichever reaction comes naturally to you is perfectly fine. It is entirely up to you whether or when you want to speak to your doctor about your prognosis.