Ependymoma - Diagnosis & Treatment

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.