Glioma

Ependymomas

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These tumors begin in the ependyma, the cells that line the passageways in the brain where special fluid that protects the brain and spinal cord (cerebrospinal fluid) is made and stored. They are a rare glioma and can be found anywhere in the brain or spine. Most commonly they arise in the cerebrum, the main part of the brain. Ependymomas may spread from the brain to the spinal cord via cerebrospinal fluid.

People can develop ependymomas. Tumors at the base of the brain are more common in children. Ependymomas of the spine account for more than half of all adult spinal tumors.

For low-grade lesions, surgical removal may cure the problem. Low-grade ependymomas in the spine are usually treated just with surgery. Anaplastic or leftover low-grade tumors after surgery are usually treated with postoperative radiation therapy. Overall, less than 20 percent of these kind of tumors respond to chemotherapy.

Mayo Publications on Ependymomas

See a list of publications by Mayo Clinic doctors on ependymomas on PubMed, a service of the National Library of Medicine.