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Ependymoma


About this topic


Your brain and spine are surrounded by a clear, watery fluid called cerebrospinal fluid or CSF. The CSF is made by special cells called ependymal cells which line parts of your brain and spinal cord. Tumors that grow from this tissue are known as ependymomas. These tumors are most often found in the fluid-filled ventricles in your brain. They may also happen around the brainstem or spinal cord. These tumors can cause problems by pressing on the brain or spinal cord as they grow larger. ‚  

What are the causes?


Doctors do not know what causes ependymomas. ‚  

What can make this more likely to happen?


  • More common in children than in adults
  • Most often happen in children under 3 years of age

What are the main signs?


  • Increased head size
  • Problems sleeping
  • Irritability
  • Headache, seizures, weakness on one side of the body
  • Upset stomach and throwing up
  • Balance or coordination problems
  • Leg or back pain, numbness, or tingling
  • Dizziness

How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?


Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. Your doctor will test your reflexes and the strength and motion in your arms and legs. The doctor will also check how well you see, hear, and speak. The doctor may check your balance and coordination. ‚  
The doctor may order: ‚  
  • CT or MRI scan
  • Spinal tap
  • Lab tests

How does the doctor treat this health problem?


Treatment depends on where the tumor is found. It is also based on how big the tumor is and how fast it is growing. Your age and total health may also help decide the best treatment. Your doctor may: ‚  
  • Do surgery to remove the ependymoma or as much of it as possible without harming important parts of the brain or spinal cord.
  • Use radiation on the tumor to make it smaller. This may be in small split doses or one treatment called stereotactic surgery.
  • Want you to have chemotherapy.
  • Want you to have more than one of these treatments.

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Help with pain and swelling
  • Prevent infection
  • Prevent or treat seizures
  • Kill cancer cells

What problems could happen?


  • Personality changes
  • Seizures
  • Headaches
  • Memory loss and problems focusing
  • Problems with hearing or talking
  • Poor coordination or balance
  • Weakness

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


There is no way to prevent this problem. ‚  

Where can I learn more?


American Brain Tumor Association ‚  
http://www.abta.org/secure/ependymoma-brochure.pdf ‚  
American Brain Tumor Association ‚  
http://www.abta.org/brain-tumor-information/types-of-tumors/ependymoma.html ‚  
National Cancer Institute ‚  
http://www.cancer.gov/types/brain/patient/child-ependymoma-treatment-pdq ‚  

Last Reviewed Date


2016-01-19 ‚  

List_set bdysylist


  • Central Nervous System

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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