Ependymoma

What is ependymoma?

An ependymoma is a rare type of tumor on the brain or spinal cord that most commonly occurs in childhood. About 200 new cases are diagnosed per year, and about 30% of those are in children younger than 3. While the diagnosis may feel overwhelming, recovery rates are high and UTHealth Houston Neurosciences doctors are well-equipped to provide advanced and personalized treatment. 

Causes of ependymoma

The cause of ependymoma remains unknown. Children with neurofibromatosis type 2 are at increased risk. These tumors are more common in the back part of the brain for pediatric patients and on the spinal cord for adult patients.

Signs of ependymoma

The symptoms might vary depending on the location of the tumor. These types of tumors tend to grow slowly over years. They can cause headaches, nausea, blurred vision, and balance problems. 

Ependymoma might also cause confusion, trouble urinating, jerky eye movements, weakness in the legs, or stiffness in the back. Some symptoms, including pain, are triggered by the tumor pressing on part of the central nervous system.

An infant with ependymoma might have a larger head. Children with ependymoma might be delayed in reaching their developmental milestones.

Diagnosis

A neurological exam will be conducted to test coordination, reflexes, and muscle control. An MRI will be performed to generate pictures of the brain and spinal cord to help confirm a diagnosis. The doctor may also conduct a biopsy or spinal tap to test cerebrospinal fluid for protein or glucose levels that may indicate a tumor. They will use this information to determine the stage and grade of the tumor.

Treatment

A team of oncologists, neurosurgeons, and neurologists will develop a comprehensive treatment plan. In many cases, neurosurgeons will first attempt to remove as much of the tumor as possible without harming the surrounding tissue. If any tumor remains, the team will consider radiation or chemotherapy. The patient will then be closely monitored for recurrences.

Our doctors also are involved in a new brain tumor trial that uses cutting-edge treatment to infuse a chemotherapy agent directly into the fourth ventricle heart. Qualified participants include patients ages 1 to 21 years old with recurrent ependymoma that originated in the posterior fossa of the brain. The agent being infused, 5-AZA, has been shown to effectively kill ependymoma cells in the laboratory. This study is listed at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT # 02940483, under “Brain Tumor Recurrent.” If you would like additional information about this study, please contact Bangning Yu, M.D., Ph.D., by email at Bangning.Yu@uth.tmc.edu or by phone at (713) 500-7363.

What You Can Expect at UTHealth Houston Neurosciences

At UTHealth Houston Neurosciences, our dedicated team uses the latest technology to accurately diagnose and treat each patient. We work in multidisciplinary teams of specialists who share insights, leading to better treatment decisions and outcomes. Throughout the treatment process, we will work closely with the doctor who referred you to ensure a smooth transition back to your regular care. While you are with us, you will receive expert care, excellent communication, and genuine compassion.

Clinical Trials

When conventional therapies prove unsuccessful, we provide our patients access to leading-edge clinical trials of investigational drugs and procedures.

View trials related to brain tumors here »

Brain Tumor Types

Acoustic neuroma
Arachnoid Cyst
Astrocytoma
Brain metastases
Chordoma
Choroid plexus tumor
Craniopharyngioma
Ependymoma
Facts about brain tumors
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery
Germ cell tumor
Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM)
Glioma
Hemangioblastoma
Malignant meningioma
Medulloblastoma
Meningioma
Oligodendroglioma
Pituitary adenoma and Cushing’s syndrome
Pituitary tumor
Skull base tumor
Schwannoma