Ependymoma
What is ependymoma?
Ependymoma is a rare type of tumor
of the brain or spinal cord. It can happen in both children and adults. In children,
these tumors tend to be in the brain. In adults, they're often in the spinal cord.
Your brain and your spinal cord
make up your central nervous system (CNS). Ependymoma is a primary CNS tumor. This means
that it starts in the brain or spinal cord rather than starting somewhere else in the
body and spreading to the brain.
Ependymoma is a kind of glioma.
Gliomas start in support cells (glial cells) of the brain. Ependymomas start when
certain types of glial cell called ependymal cells start to grow out of control. These cells line the ventricles of the brain. The
ventricles are the chambers that contain the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that bathes and
cushions the brain and spinal cord. Ependymomas can spread when the CSF carries
ependymoma cells to other places in the brain or spinal cord. These tumors rarely spread
beyond the CNS to other parts of the body.
There are different types of
ependymoma. Most are relatively slow-growing tumors. They are given a grade based on a I
to III (1 to 3 scale). Grade I is the slowest growing ependymoma, Grade III is fast
growing. These are the major types:
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Subependymoma (grade I). This is a slow-growing tumor near the
ventricles that's more common in adults than children. Many times, they don't cause
symptoms.
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Myxopapillary ependymoma (grade I). This is a slow-growing, lower
spinal cord tumor most common in male adults.
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Classic
ependymoma. This is a somewhat faster-growing tumor in both children
and adults. In children, most of these tumors are in the brain. In adults, more than
half of them are in the spinal cord and they're very rare.
-
Anaplastic
ependymoma. This is a fast-growing, cancer tumor often in the base of
the brain and rarely in the spinal cord. It tends to spread into nearby parts of the
brain and spread to other parts of the brain through the CSF. These tumors tend to
come back (recur) after treatment.
Some grade I ependymomas are not
called cancer because they grow slowly and don't spread. Still, any tumor in the brain,
no matter how small, may cause problems by pressing against parts of the brain and
causing symptoms. An ependymoma that causes symptoms will be treated, even if it's not
cancer.
What causes ependymoma?
Researchers do not yet know what
causes these tumors. Healthcare providers also don't have a clear idea about the risk
factors for these tumors.
Studies have shown that people with
a genetic disorder called neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) have a higher risk of
developing an ependymoma.
What are the symptoms of ependymoma?
The symptoms depend on where the
tumor is. For example, a tumor near the base of the brain may block the normal flow of
CSF. This can lead to increased intracranial pressure (ICP, which is the pressure inside
your head), which can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Symptoms may be
sudden or they may start slowly and get worse over time. People with spinal cord tumors
may have pain where the tumor is for months or even years before other symptoms develop.
In general, signs and symptoms of
ependymoma can include:
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Headache
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Nausea and vomiting
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Pain that wakes you up
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Dizziness and balance problems
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Eye problems, such as double or blurry
vision
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Weakness or numbness in an arm or
leg
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Difficulty walking
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Bowel or bladder problems
How is ependymoma diagnosed?
Ependymoma can be hard to diagnose
because it's a rare tumor in adults. It may be hard to tell the difference from other
types of tumors. Your primary healthcare provider may refer you to a neurologist. This
is a healthcare provider who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the
central nervous system. You may see a neuro-oncologist. This provider specializes in
cancers of the brain and spinal cord. You may be referred to a neurosurgeon. This is a
surgeon who performs brain or spinal cord surgery.
The process starts with a health
history and a physical exam. Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and
past health conditions. He or she may also ask about your family’s health history. The
physical exam may include a nervous system exam. During a nervous system exam, you'll be
asked to do things like walk, touch your finger to your nose, or hold your hands out.
You may be asked to follow a light with your eyes.
If a tumor is suspected, other
tests may be done, such as:
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MRI. This test uses large magnets and
a computer to create images of the inside of your body. MRI scans of your brain and
spinal cord may be done to look for a tumor or learn more about it, such as where it
is, how big it is, and if it has spread. Contrast dye may be used to help show more
detail in the images.
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Surgery. The tumor may be removed so
that it can be examined. It will then be tested to find out the type and grade.
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Spinal tap (lumbar puncture). A small
amount of CSF is taken from the space around your spine by putting a thin needle
between the bones of your lower back. CSF is pulled into a syringe attached to the
needle and checked for tumor cells.
These tests will give tell you the
size, location, type, grade, and other details about your tumor.
How is ependymoma treated?
You and your medical team will
decide on the best treatment plan for you. Team members may include:
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Neurologist or neuro-oncologist
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Neurosurgeon who has experience
removing ependymomas
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Radiation oncologist. This is a
healthcare provider who specializes in treating tumors with radiation.
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Nurse
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Nurse practitioner
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Psychologist
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Social worker
Treatment depends on the type and
location of your tumor. Your healthcare team will help you decide the best treatment
plan for you. The main treatment in adults is surgery to remove as much of the tumor as
possible. Your chances of the best outcome are highest if your healthcare provider is
able to fully remove the tumor.
Radiation therapy is often used
after surgery. If the tumor has spread, chemotherapy may be needed after surgery. It
might be given as a pill or put right into a vein and into your blood (IV). A needle can
be used to put chemo into your CSF (spinal fluid), too.(This is called intrathecal
chemo.
Most people with an ependymoma have
a good outcome. Sometimes higher grade ependymomas come back after treatment. To check
for this, you'll likely need to have follow-up MRI scans in the weeks after surgery, and
then a few times a year after that.
Talk with your healthcare provider
about treatment risks and side effects, your prognosis, and the chances of your tumor
returning.
Key points about ependymoma
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Ependymoma is a rare type of primary
CNS tumor. It can occur in both children and adults.
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These tumors develop from ependymal
cells. These cells line the CSF-filled ventricles of the brain.
-
Most ependymomas are slow-growing
tumors.
-
Researchers don't know what causes
ependymomas.
-
You may need surgery to remove as much
of the tumor as possible.
-
Radiation and chemotherapy are
sometimes needed after surgery.
-
Most people treated for ependymoma
have a good outcome.
Next steps
Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
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Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
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Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
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Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.
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At the visit, write down the name of a
new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new
instructions your provider gives you.
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Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.
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Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
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Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
-
Know what to expect if you don't take
the medicine or have the test or procedure.
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If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
-
Know how you can contact your provider
if you have questions.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Kim Stump-Sutliff RN MSN AOCNS
Online Medical Reviewer:
Lu Cunningham
Online Medical Reviewer:
Luc Jasmin MD
Date Last Reviewed:
12/1/2018
© 2000-2018 The StayWell Company, LLC. 800 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.