Meningiomas are tumors that develop in the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding your brain and spinal cord. Medical professionals assign different grades to these tumors to determine their severity, growth rate, and appropriate treatment approach. While many meningiomas are benign and slow-growing, the grading system helps predict how aggressive your tumor might be and what kind of medical intervention you will need moving forward. The knowledgeable Depo-Provera brain tumor attorneys at Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC may be able to assist with your claim.
What Are the Causes of Meningiomas?
Most meningiomas develop due to genetic mutations. These mutations typically occur randomly, though you might inherit them through certain genetic conditions like neurofibromatosis type 2, Von Hippel-Lindau disease, or Cowden syndrome.
Several risk factors increase your likelihood of developing meningiomas. Age plays a significant role, with people over 65 facing higher risks. Women develop these tumors more frequently than men, especially those using hormone replacement therapy or birth control medications like Depo-Provera. In fact, research from The British Medical Journal revealed that women who took Depo-Provera had a 5.6-times higher risk of developing meningioma than women who took other forms of hormonal birth control.
The Grading System for Meningioma
Healthcare providers classify meningiomas using a three-tier grading system based on how the tumor cells appear under a microscope. The grading system is as follows:
- Grade I Meningiomas: These benign tumors grow slowly and maintain distinct borders, making them easier to treat surgically. They are noncancerous, which means they rarely spread to other parts of your body.
- Grade II Meningiomas: These tumors display abnormal cellular characteristics that distinguish them from typical, healthy tissue. While neither fully benign nor malignant, Grade II meningiomas grow faster and tend to recur after treatment. They may eventually become malignant if left untreated.
- Grade III Meningiomas: This is the most aggressive form of meningioma. These malignant or anaplastic tumors invade surrounding brain tissue and grow rapidly, which can make them difficult to remove. Patients may experience recurring tumors.
Legal Options for Meningioma Patients
Meningiomas can affect every aspect of your life. The physical symptoms—including headaches, seizures, vision problems, and cognitive difficulties—can significantly impact your daily functioning and quality of life. The costs of ongoing medical treatment, surgical procedures, rehabilitation, and time away from work can create overwhelming economic hardship. At the same time, you can experience anxiety, depression, and uncertainty about your future.
These overwhelming hardships deserve compensation. If you suspect that Depo-Provera is responsible for your meningioma, you have options for legal action. Patients nationwide are filing lawsuits against Pfizer, the medication’s manufacturer, for failing to warn about the increased risk of brain tumors associated with long-term use of this injectable contraceptive.
You may be eligible to file a lawsuit if you used Depo-Provera for an extended period and subsequently received a meningioma diagnosis. To determine whether you qualify and to learn more about the legal process, speak with a lawyer who is currently handling Depo-Provera lawsuits.
Discuss Your Case with a Depo-Provera Lawsuit Attorney
Receiving a meningioma diagnosis brings uncertainty about your prognosis and future. At Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC, our attorneys are representing former patients nationwide in their claims against Pfizer—we will fight for compensation that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact us at (212) 485-9899 to schedule your free case review today.