What is an Ependymoma?

An ependymoma is a tumor that forms in your brain or spinal cord. Ependymoma is pronounced eh-PEN-de-MO-ma.

Ependymomas are primary tumors. They originate directly in the brain or spinal cord and don't migrate from other parts of the body.

They're a subtype of glioma. Ependymomas represent the sixth most frequent brain tumor among children. However, they may also strike adults.

Are ependymomas aggressive?

Ependymomas are graded 1-3. Grade 1 has the slowest growth rate, and grade 3 has the fastest.

Grades 1 and 2 ependymomas are considered noncancerous (benign). These tumors usually grow slowly and have a low risk of metastasizing from their original site.

Grade 3 ependymomas are malignant, meaning they grow more aggressively and much faster than lower-grade ependymomas.

What are the types of ependymomas?

Besides grade, there are also several ependymoma types, such as:

• Subependymomas (grade 1): They arise along the walls of your brain's fluid-filled cavities or ventricles. This form is much more common in adults than in children.
• Classic ependymomas (grade 2): This term refers to the most common type and can occur in children or adults.
• Myxopapillary ependymomas (grade 2): These grow in your lower spinal cord. They are most common in adults assigned male at birth.
• Anaplastic ependymomas (grade 3): These usually form near the base of your brain. They grow quickly and often spread to other parts of your brain. They are the most likely to grow back after treatment (recur).

What are the symptoms of ependymoma?

An ependymoma may cause a wide range of symptoms depending on its location. These may include:

• Back pain
• Difficulty with balance
• Vision changes
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Emotional/ behavioral changes
• Muscle weakness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Neck pain
• Sensory weakness in arms and legs
• Seizures
• Incontinence of urine (urine leaks out when they pee)

Babies and toddlers cannot tell you when they have discomfort or other symptoms; the only signs are those that come with a tumor growing. They may appear with:

• An increased head size
• Sleep problems
• Fussing and irritability that is worse than usual
• Feeding, as the tumor makes more mucus.

What causes ependymomas?

Experts don't know what causes ependymomas. They may occur by accident when ependymal cells in the brain multiply, or they may be caused by genetic variations.

Some research has shown that individuals who have the genetic variations responsible for neurofibromatosis type 2 may be at higher risk of having ependymomas. But experts can't say for sure if they're related. They are still investigating this potential link.

How is an ependymoma diagnosed?

A healthcare professional will diagnose an ependymoma with a physical examination, a neurological exam, and other tests. Your provider will ask about your symptoms and when you first noticed them.

Your provider might employ some of these tests to diagnose an ependymoma:

• Biopsy
• CT scan
• Lumbar puncture
• MRI

What are ependymoma treatments?

Your healthcare provider will treat an ependymoma with the following:

• Surgery: Surgery is the most common treatment for ependymoma. A surgeon will remove as much of the tumor as possible.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses powerful X-rays to destroy tumor cells. You might need radiation before and/or after surgery.
• Chemotherapy (chemo): Chemo is a medication that kills cancer cells. You'll usually only need chemo if the tumor has spread to other areas of your body. This is very rare with ependymomas.
• Immunotherapy: You'll take medications that boost your immune system's ability to fight cancer. Immunotherapy is a rare treatment for an ependymoma.

What is the survival rate for ependymoma?

The five-year survival rate for ependymomas is almost 85%. That means about 85% of people are alive five years after diagnosis. However, this figure may not apply to you or your case. Your providers will tell you what to expect.

Many factors can influence your survival rate, such as:

• The grade of the tumor
• The location of the tumor
• Your age
• Your general health

Is ependymoma cancer curable?

There is no cure for cancer, though one can remove or destroy a grade 3 ependymoma with treatment.

Keep in mind that an ependymoma will recur at some point. The risk is much higher for grade 3 tumors. Depending on your age and overall health, your providers and surgeon will tell you what to expect.

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When should I see my doctor?

Your doctor will tell you how often you will need follow-up visits to monitor any changes in your body. You also need regular imaging tests to monitor the ependymoma throughout treatment.

Why Choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Ependymoma Treatment in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital offers advanced Ependymoma treatment in Lucknow, India, at an affordable cost. We have a team of experienced neurosurgeons and neuro-oncology specialists who provide accurate diagnosis and both surgical and non-surgical treatment options including tumor resection, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy procedures. Our Neurosurgery and Neuro-Oncology team has decades of experience in successfully treating Ependymoma in Lucknow, India.

To seek an Expert Consultation for Ependymoma Treatment in Lucknow, India:

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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