Ependymoma Flashcards
What is an ependymoma?
Ependymomas are tumors that arise from ependymal cells lining the ventricles and central canal of the spinal cord.
Where do ependymomas typically arise?
Ependymomas typically arise in the 4th ventricle and thoracic spinal cord.
What are the grades of ependymomas?
Ependymomas can range from low grade (Grade 2) tumors to high grade (Grade 3) tumors, which are called anaplastic ependymomas.
What is the growth rate and nature of ependymomas?
Ependymomas are slow growing and benign.
What percentage of brain tumors are ependymomas?
About 2% of brain tumors are ependymomas.
How do ependymomas spread?
Ependymomas are most likely to spread along the CSF pathways but do not spread outside the brain or spinal cord.
What complication can ependymomas cause?
Ependymomas may block the flow of CSF from the ventricles, causing the ventricles to become very large (hydrocephalus).
