ependymoma
A glial tumor arising from ependymal cells that line the ventricular system and central canal of the spinal cord.
Full Definition
Ependymomas are neuroepithelial tumors that develop from ependymal cells lining the brain ventricles and spinal cord central canal. They can occur at any age but have bimodal distribution with peaks in childhood and middle age. Location varies by age, with posterior fossa tumors common in children and spinal cord tumors more frequent in adults. WHO grading includes grade I (subependymoma, myxopapillary ependymoma), grade II (classic ependymoma), and grade III (anaplastic ependymoma). Treatment typically involves maximal safe resection, with radiation therapy for higher-grade tumors or incomplete resections.
Usage
Usage note: Specify anatomical location when documenting ependymoma cases.
In Context
- "The fourth ventricular ependymoma was approached via a suboccipital craniotomy." — Operative note
- "Spinal cord ependymomas typically have better prognoses than their intracranial counterparts." — Clinical review