Standard Deviation (Volatility) Introduction. Standard deviation is a statistical term that measures the amount of variability or dispersion around an average. Standard deviation is also a measure of volatility. Generally speaking, dispersion is the difference between the actual value and the average value. The larger this dispersion or variability is, the higher the standard deviation. The smaller this dispersion or variability is, the lower the standard deviation.
MRI image showing a typical meningioma tumor. A meningioma is a tumor that arises from a layer of tissue (the meninges) that covers the brain and spine. Meningiomas grow on the surface of the brain (or spinal cord), and therefore push the brain away rather than growing from within it. Most are considered âbenignâ because they are slow-growing with low potential to spread. Meningioma tumors can become quite large. Diameters of 2 inches (5 cm.) are not uncommon.
Although meningiomas are referred to as brain tumors, they do not grow from brain tissue. They arise from the meninges, which are three thin layers of tissue covering the brain and spinal cord. These tumors are most often found near the top and the outer curve of the brain. Tumors may also form at the base of the skull. Meningiomas usually grow inward, causing pressure on the brain or spinal cord. They also can grow outward toward the skull, causing it to thicken. Most meningiomas are noncancerous, slow-growing tumors. Some contain sacs of fluid (cysts), mineral deposits (calcifications), or tightly packed bunches of blood vessels.