After Treatment

After treatment for meningioma ends, talk with your doctor about developing a follow-up care plan. This plan may include regular physical examinations and/or medical tests to monitor your recovery for the coming months and years. Because it is possible that tumors may recur, people treated for meningioma are routinely monitored for new symptoms with regularly repeated MRI scans. The frequency of the checkups and scans varies greatly from patient to patient and will be determined by the oncologist or neuro-oncologist. People treated for benign meningioma typically have annual follow-up visits, including an MRI scan and checkup with a neurosurgeon or neuro-oncologist. More aggressive tumors may require more frequent checkups and ongoing medical care after recovery from surgery.

As described in previous sections, meningioma and its treatments can affect the functioning of the brain as well as the well-being of the patient. For this reason, it is sometimes helpful for the health care team to evaluate the patient’s cognitive abilities through specialized tests, often given by a neuropsychologist (a psychologist who studies neurobiologic causes of brain disorders and specializes in diagnosing and treating these disorders using a predominantly medical [as opposed to psychoanalytical] approach), and also to monitor the quality of life of the patient. These evaluations could identify certain problems that may benefit from specific therapies, such as speech or occupational therapy, counseling with a social worker, or prescription medications that can help to reduce fatigue or enhance memory. Whenever possible, patients are also highly encouraged to participate in support groups.

In addition, people with impairments in function, such as weakness or imbalance, may benefit by talking with a doctor who specializes in rehabilitation medicine, because the specialist may be able to recommend specific strategies for recovery. More information can be found in Rehabilitation.

People recovering from meningioma are encouraged to follow established guidelines for good health, such as maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, eating a balanced diet, and having recommended cancer screening tests. Talk with your doctor to develop a plan that is best for your needs. Moderate physical activity can help rebuild your strength and energy level. Your doctor can help you create an appropriate exercise plan based upon your needs, physical abilities, and fitness level. Learn more about healthy living after cancer.

Learn more about common terms used after cancer treatment is complete.