Meningioma tumour. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of an axial (horizontal) section through the head of a 79 year old woman showing a meningioma (bottom left). The front of the head is at top. The tumour is a convexity meningioma, lying over the convexity (curvature) of the brain on the right hand side. Meningiomas are most often benign and arise from the meninges, the protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. As it grows, a meningioma compresses adjacent brain tissue, and symptoms, such as headaches, are often related to this compression. Usually the tumour can be removed surgically, especially if it lies over the curve of the brain, as is seen here, and not towards the base of the skull. Radiotherapy may also be needed.