Meningioma brain tumour. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the head of a 60 year old woman with a meningioma (light grey area). A meningioma is a slow-growing benign (non- cancerous) tumour of the meninges, the three protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Its prevalence increases with age, and it is more common in women than men. As it grows it causes increased pressure within the skull, which can lead to headaches, nausea and visual disturbances. Other symptoms depend upon the tumour's location. Treatment is most often with surgical removal of the tumour, which leads to a complete cure.