Three patients with cystic meningioma are reported. The computed tomographic scans or magnetic resonance images of these tumors resembled those of a glial or metastatic tumor with cystic or necrotic changes. There is no definitive method for preoperatively differentiating cystic meningiomas from the more common malignant glioma. Angiographic evaluation and collaboration with a neuropathologist are important for the recognition of these potentially curable neoplasms.