Joung H. Lee has assembled a masterful volume on the diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of meningiomas. It is complete in that it covers all aspects of this tumor; every location is discussed by acknowledged experts and every technique is described in detail. Basic biology forms an important and up-to-date part of the text. This book will serve as a reference for many years; in particular, Dr. Lee feels surgeons and future patients will benefit. There is little question that these aims will be fulfilled in this important tour de force. John A. Jane, Sr., MD, PhD Charlottesville, VA, USA vii Preface In planning this book, I had three major goals. The first was to compile and disseminate all the advances and new information relating to meningiomas which became available in the last 15-20 years. In this time frame, there has been a significant increase in our understanding in regards to the meningioma pathologic classification, the natural history and basic science. Dramatic technological advancements have also been made in diagnostic and interventional radiology as well as in surgical and radiation treatments for meningiomas, such as incorporation of the following in the treatment armamentaria: endoscopy, various skull base techniques, computer-assisted surgery and radiosurgery. Additionally, new information regarding surgical outcome and patient selection for surgery are becoming available, all of which are resulting in a significant change in how neurosurgeons treat patients with meningiomas. The second goal for this book was to teach and stimulate the next generation of neurosurgeons.


Dr Joung H Lee is Director, Center for Neurofibromatosis and Benign Tumors, Brain Tumor Institute and Head, Section of Skull Base Surgery, Department of Neurosurgery at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. He has published over 40 journal articles and guest-edited Neurosurgery Clinics of North America: Adjunct treatment modalities for skull base tumors. W.B. Saunders, October 2000.