Growth Pattern of Meningeomas Penetrating the Skull Base

Three cases of intracranial meningeomas are presented as examples of tumours in which the extra-cranial growth formed a major otorhinolaryngological problem. The infiltrative growth pattern into the narrow lumina and bone channels of the otherwise histologically benign tumours is compared with findings in an experimental organ culture system, where a three-dimensional fibrin foam matrix formed the supporting structure with an interconnected network of lacunae. Of all intracranial tumours, meningeomas were the best growers in the system, and the clinical relevance of such growth characteristics demonstrated in vitro is pointed out in view of the resented cases.