Recurrence and Progression of Meningioma in Male-to-Female Transgender Individuals During Exogenous Hormone Use

ABSTRACT

The role of sex hormones in the pathogenesis of meningioma is an area of ongoing investigation. Here we describe the third published case of a de novo World Health Organization Grade I meningioma occurring in a male-to-female transgender individual using exogenous hormones. Uniquely, this progressed to an atypical meningioma within 2 years of initial diagnosis. The epidemiological link between hormone use and development of meningioma remains inconclusive; however, case reports suggest that exogenous hormones influence the in vivo behavior of meningioma. We suggest that this association creates a relative contraindication for hormonal therapy in patients with diagnoses of meningioma.

KEYWORDS:

• Disease progression
• meningioma
• sex hormones
• transgenderism

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The authors would like to thank Dr. David Astill, SA Pathology, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, for preparation of slide illustrations.