Brain tumour. Coloured magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of an axial (horizontal) section through the brain of a 38-year-old female. The front of the brain is at upper centre and a brain tumour (meningioma, blue) is visible. A meningioma is a benign tumour arising 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, although radiotherapy can be needed, and new hormonal treatments are also being tested.