PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

What is the second most common intracranial tumor in adults?

1. Astrocytoma

2. Meningioma

3. Oligodendroglioma

4. Neurocytoma

The correct answer is: Meningioma

Meningioma is recognized as the second most common intracranial tumor in adults, following gliomas. These tumors originate from the meninges, which are the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. The prevalence of meningiomas can be attributed to their derivation from the arachnoid layer of the meninges, leading to a variety of forms that can vary in size and aggressiveness. Meningiomas are often found incidentally on imaging studies, as they might grow slowly and may not cause symptoms unless they exert pressure on surrounding brain structures. Clinically, they can present with a range of neurologic deficits depending on their location, but they are generally considered benign, although some may have atypical or malignant characteristics. In contrast, astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas are types of gliomas, which encompass a broader category of brain tumors that arise from glial cells. Although some astrocytomas can be quite common, especially in certain age groups or clinical scenarios, meningiomas have a higher overall incidence in the adult population. Neurocytomas are comparatively rare and typically found in younger individuals. Thus, among the given options, meningiomas distinctly hold the position of the second most common