Is ependymoma cancerous?

Is ependymoma cancerous?

Grade III ependymomas are malignant (cancerous). This means they are fast-growing tumors. The subtypes include anaplastic ependymomas. These most often occur in the brain, but can also occur in the spine.

Can ependymoma be hereditary?

Researchers have found that children with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) have an increased risk of developing ependymoma. NF2 is an inherited condition that increases the risk of developing several different types of tumors of the central nervous system, including ependymoma.

How is ependymoma diagnosed?

In addition to a physical examination, the following tests may be used to diagnose ependymoma:

1. Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan. A CT scan takes pictures of the inside of the body using x-rays taken from different angles.
2. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
3. Biopsy.
4. Lumbar puncture (spinal tap).

How are ependymomas diagnosed?

An MRI scan with contrast enhancement may reveal an ependymoma as a bright, well-defined mass. Cysts are commonly seen extending from the tumor; and changes in the spinal cord, like swelling, may also be seen. Specialized MRI imaging, such as magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) may be used as well.

Are ependymomas hereditary?

Ependymoma, like other cancers, is a genetic disease.

Are ependymomas benign?

Ependymoma (Grade II): The most common, this type is typically benign and found along the ventricles in either the infratentorial region or the spine. This type is further categorized—on the basis of how the cells look under a microscope—as papillary ependymoma, clear cell ependymoma or tanycytic ependymoma.

What is ependymoma and what causes it?

Ependymoma is a type of tumor that can form in the brain or spinal cord. Ependymoma begins in the ependymal cells in the brain and spinal cord that line the passageways where the fluid (cerebrospinal fluid) that nourishes your brain flows. Ependymoma can occur at any age, but most often occurs in young children.

What is the anatomy of the ependyma?

Anatomical terminology. Ependyma is the thin neuroepithelial lining of the ventricular system of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord, made up of ependymal cells. Ependyma is one of the four types of neuroglia in the central nervous system (CNS).

What are the different types of ependymal tumors?

Ependymoma. Ependymomas (grade II): The most common of the ependymal tumors. This type can be further divided into the following subtypes, including cellular ependymomas, papillary ependymomas, clear cell ependymomas, and tancytic ependymomas. Anaplastic ependymomas (grade III): Typically faster-growing tumors.

Can ependymomas form anywhere in the CNS?

Ependymomas can form anywhere in the CNS. Ependymomas often occur near the ventricles in the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord. On rare occasions, ependymomas can form outside the CNS, such as in the ovaries.