Ependymoma - Diagnosis & Treatment

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How is an ependymoma diagnosed?

Diagnosis of ependymoma typically involves a combination of methods, including:

Neurological examination helps assess brain and nerve function
Imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to visualise the brain and spinal cord tumours
Biopsy, which refers to a procedure during which a sample of tumour tissue is taken either during surgery or via a needle guided by imaging scans to confirm the diagnosis through histological examination

How is an ependymoma treated?

The treatment of ependymoma is tailored to the individual and may involve:

Surgery is the primary treatment, aiming to remove as much of the tumour as safely possible
Radiation therapy is often used following surgery to target any remaining tumour cells, especially in cases of incomplete resection or higher-grade tumours
Chemotherapy is less commonly used in ependymomas, but may be considered in recurrent or refractory cases

Post-treatment, patients typically require ongoing surveillance with MRI scans to monitor for recurrence. Supportive care, including rehabilitation and educational support, may also be necessary to manage the long-term effects of the tumour and its treatment.

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