Ependymoma (Ependymota)

Ependymoma is a brain tumor that develops from ependymocytes. Ependymocytes are glial cells lining the cavities of the ventricles of the brain (see Ependyma).

Ependymomas usually grow very slowly and are rarely cancerous. They most often occur in adults, although they can also be diagnosed in children.

The main symptoms of ependymoma:

1. Headache
2. Nausea and vomiting
3. Impaired coordination and balance
4. Convulsions
5. Cognitive impairment

The tumor can block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid through the ventricles of the brain, leading to hydrocephalus (fluid accumulation in the cavities of the brain). This can cause symptoms to quickly worsen.

Diagnosis of ependymoma includes MRI, CT and lumbar puncture. Treatment depends on the size, location and grade of the tumor. It may include surgical removal, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The prognosis for ependymoma is usually favorable if the tumor can be completely removed surgically.

Ependymomas are brain tumors that originate from ependymal glial cells. This type of cancer is located in the upper part of the brain - in the area of ​​the thalamus and third ventricle. Most often occur in adults. They are rare in childhood.

Etiology and pathogenesis The basis of the occurrence

How does a brain tumor affect quality of life?

Ependymomas are among the rarest types of brain tumors. In their structure, they are a cluster of nervous tissue cells. Neoplasms grow in the ventricles of the brain and, if small in size, may not cause symptoms of the disease. However, as the tumor enlarges, malignancy appears. The condition depends on the location of the ependyma. If cancer cells are located near the brain stem, then the size of the tumor is not important. It always gives pronounced symptoms. If the tumor is located behind the brain stem, then its volume may be minimal, but the patient does not feel pathological changes.

With aggressive growth, cancers can degenerate into the meninges or damage vital structures. A cluster of ependymomas in the brain protrudes the walls of the ventricular cavities. The excess part sticks out and turns into a rocky ledge. This disorder leads to irritation of the meninges and the development of hydrocephalus. This is caused by a violation of the outflow of cerebrospinal fluid - cerebrospinal fluid. When fluid accumulates in the brain, it puts pressure on the brain from the side of the skull. It flattens and depressions form. The spinal cord is twisted, the head muscles atrophy, which is visually manifested by a change in facial expression. The patient loses appetite, loses weight, and has difficulty urinating.