Intracranial meningiomas: I. Epidemiology, aetiology, pathogenesis and prognostic factors

Introduction. Meningiomas are the most frequent group of intracranial tumours, accounting for around a third of all primary brain tumours. In most cases, they are benign neoplasms that start in the cells of the arachnoid mater and may be located in the intracranial and spinal cavities. Aim. To perform a review of the information available on intracranial meningiomas that allows us to update current knowledge on the subject. Development. The review of the literature covers different aspects of intracranial meningiomas, including their epidemiology, histology, risk factors, neurogenetics, diagnostic techniques and prognostic factors. Conclusions. Intracranial meningiomas are, today, the leading group of intracranial tumours. Although most of them are histologically benign, recurrence rates range between 10% and 20%, even after performing complete resections. Knowledge of risk factors and the genetic disorders that they present will make it easier in the future to introduce customised treatments to fit each case.