The topic Meningioma of the Olfactory Groove you are seeking is a synonym, or alternative name, or is closely related to the medical condition Olfactory Groove Meningioma.

Quick Summary:

• Meningioma is a mostly benign and slow-growing tumor that arises from the meninges which is the membranous tissue encasing the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system or CNS). The meninges consist of three layers, namely the outer layer (dura mater), the middle layer (arachnoid mater), and the inner layer (pia mater); together, they form the protective lining around the CNS
• The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies meningiomas based on their behavior as benign (grade I), atypical (grade II), and malignant (grade III) tumors. The grade and histologic subtype of the tumor is determined by a pathologist after examining a tissue biopsy of the tumor, under a microscope. Meningiomas are also classified based on their sites of origin within the CNS
• While there may be a set of non-specific symptoms observed, certain symptoms are specific to the tumor location. The exact location of a meningioma is generally identified on the basis of radiological imaging studies. These factors, along-with the histopathological subtyping, help the healthcare provider in better understanding the tumor and planning treatment (surgical) approaches accordingly
• Meningioma that develops in the olfactory groove, which is the area of nasal cavity/skull base behind the nose bridge, is called the Olfactory Groove Meningioma (OGM). It is relatively common for a meningioma to develop at this location. The olfactory system serves the function of smell and breathing
• Meningiomas of any histologic subtype i.e., belonging to WHO grade I (benign), WHO grade II (atypical), or WHO grade III (malignant) tumors may involve the olfactory groove. However, a vast majority of these tumors are grade I. Based on certain study reports, the following subtypes are noted:
  • Grade I: Meningothelial meningioma (constitute over 50% of the tumors), fibrous meningioma, transitional meningioma, metaplastic meningioma, angiomatous meningioma, and secretory meningioma
  • Grade II: Atypical meningioma (most common among grade II tumors), clear cell meningioma, and chordoid meningioma
  • Grade III: Papillary meningioma and anaplastic meningioma
• WHO grade I tumors are low-grade slow-growing tumors that are not known to infiltrate into the surrounding tissues; they also offer a very high chance for surgery to be curative. WHO grade II tumors grow faster than grade I tumors but are not usually infiltrative. However, there is a possibility of tumor recurrence as a higher grade tumor after treatment. WHO grade III tumors are malignant and infiltrative; they also have a tendency to recur as a higher grade tumor (grade IV) following treatment
• Thus, the lower the tumor grades, the better are the outcomes. However, large-sized meningiomas, even if they are low-grade, can compress the surrounding structures causing significant signs and symptoms. Therefore, the size of the tumor is also an important determinant for treatment purposes and measuring overall outcomes
• The cause of Olfactory Groove Meningioma is not well understood, but some genetic factors may be involved. In general, the risk factors for meningioma may include ionized radiation exposure, hormonal factors in women, breast cancer history, and a family history of meningiomas. Most of the tumors are noted in middle-aged adults
• Tumors at these locations can cause reduced sense or complete loss of smell, headaches, and vision impairment including double vision. The initial symptoms are usually depression and mental disturbances. The diagnosis of Olfactory Groove Meningioma is usually delayed, until they grow to large sizes. Complications associated with malignant tumors include metastasis to other organs of the body
• Once diagnosed, the treatments for Olfactory Groove Meningioma may include a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, based on the grade of the tumor. In a majority, the prognosis is good, since most of these tumors are benign (WHO grade I tumors) and a complete tumor excision/removal is often achieved

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