Chapters authored
Quality of Life in Patients with Meningioma
Meningiomas are common benign brain tumors that may significantly impact patients’ Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) and functional disability. The assessment of HRQOL in meningioma patients is heterogeneous, necessitating standardized approaches. Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) are increasingly used to capture patients’ perspectives, with various questionnaires developed for this purpose. Medical and non-medical risk factors for long-term HRQOL impairment encompass tumor characteristics, treatment factors, and sociodemographic features. Symptomatic meningioma patients experience lower HRQOL scores, with symptoms influenced by tumor features such as location, edema, and size. Prominent subsequent manifestations, including epilepsy, neurocognitive dysfunction, and psychiatric symptoms, significantly influence HRQOL. Surgical resection is the primary therapeutic option, and adjuvant radiotherapy may be considered for recurrent or high-risk cases. Although patients generally experience improved HRQOL post-surgery, some may face long-term declines, necessitating comprehensive long-term well-being evaluation. Patients often undergo positive changes in mental outlook (posttraumatic growth), triggering a “response shift” that may alter patients’ values and internal standards, ultimately improving their perception of HRQOL. Long-term outcomes highlight meningioma’s chronic impact on patients’ lives and socioeconomic burden. Overall, understanding and addressing these factors optimizes patients’ well-being and functional outcomes. A holistic approach considering medical and psychosocial aspects is crucial for enhancing HRQOL in meningioma patients.
Part of the book: Meningioma