What causes meningiomas?
Disease description:
A 70-year-old patient from Beijing has recently experienced weakness in the lower limbs and was diagnosed with a spinal meningioma at the hospital. I would like to ask, what causes spinal meningiomas?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Guan Yanlei
Meningiomas are usually caused by factors such as genetics, hormones, trauma, and radiation.
1. Genetic factors typically refer to the theory of abnormal embryonic development. Meningiomas can arise from ectopic embryonic cells, and this genetic predisposition may lead to the development of meningiomas.
2. Hormonal factors: meningiomas are more commonly seen in women, suggesting a possible association with estrogen or progesterone.
3. When the dura mater is injured by physical force or other external factors, its cells become more prone to malignant transformation, leading to the development of meningiomas.
4. Exposure to ionizing radiation increases the risk of developing meningiomas, thereby potentially causing tumor formation.
