When you are diagnosed with meningioma, the questions come flooding in. Is it serious? Will it spread? Could it become cancerous?
These questions are completely valid when dealing with the reality of a brain tumor, and you deserve answers. This article breaks down what meningiomas are, whether they can progress to cancer, and what legal options may be available if your condition is linked to Depo-Provera use.
What Is a Meningioma?
A meningioma is a tumor that develops in the meninges, or the protective layers of tissue surrounding your brain and spinal cord. These tumors grow very slowly; you might have one for years without realizing it. Symptoms often emerge when the tumor grows large enough to press against your brain, leading to complications such as:
- Headaches
- Vision changes
- Hearing loss
- Memory difficulties
- Muscle weakness
- Seizures
- Loss of smell
Meningiomas are classified into three grades based on severity:
- Grade I meningiomas are noncancerous and slow-growing. These are the most common types of meningioma.
- Grade II meningiomas, called atypical, grow more quickly and are often more resistant to treatment.
- Grade III meningiomas, known as anaplastic, are malignant tumors that grow and spread rapidly. These are rare.
Can a Benign Meningioma Become Cancerous?
Although it is uncommon, a Grade I meningioma can transform into a malignant tumor over time. Grade II meningiomas are neither fully benign nor malignant, so they carry the potential to become cancerous over time. These tumors also tend to recur after treatment and grow at faster rates.
While most meningiomas are not cancerous, this doesn’t mean they are harmless. Even a benign tumor can cause serious problems if it grows large enough to damage the surrounding brain tissue. This is why it’s important to seek medical care as soon as you begin to notice symptoms.
Legal Options If Your Meningioma Was Linked to Depo-Provera
Many factors can lead to a meningioma, from genetic mutations to the use of certain medications. Depo-Provera, an injectable form of birth control, has been linked to a significantly higher risk of meningioma development. Now, hundreds of former patients have filed lawsuits against Pfizer, the manufacturer of Depo-Provera, for failing to warn consumers about this side effect.
A meningioma diagnosis can have major consequences on your life, from financial loss to severe physical pain. If you used Depo-Provera and were subsequently diagnosed with a meningioma, you may be eligible to file a claim and secure compensation for the harm that you suffered.
Recoverable damages may include:
- Medical expenses, including surgery, radiation, and ongoing treatment costs
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Physical pain and permanent disability
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
Contact an Attorney About Your Depo-Provera Meningioma Claim
If your meningioma has been linked to Depo-Provera, you may have legal recourse. Shapiro Legal Group has spent years fighting for the rights of those who have been harmed by dangerous pharmaceutical products, and we know what it takes to help victims seek justice. Our Depo-Provera lawsuit attorneys leave no stone unturned in seeking justice for meningioma victims, whether your tumor is cancerous or noncancerous. Contact Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC at (800) 220-0984 for a free consultation and learn about your options for moving forward.