cellular ependymoma

Common Signs and Symptoms of Ependymoma

Ependymoma, a type of brain or spinal cord tumor, can exhibit various signs and symptoms depending on its location and grade. Here are some common symptoms associated with ependymoma:

• Headaches: A persistent or severe headache is often the first symptom of an ependymoma, especially if it's located in the brain [8][9].
• Nausea and Vomiting: Many people experience nausea and vomiting due to increased intracranial pressure or blockage of cerebrospinal fluid flow [3][4].
• Pain: Pain can be a symptom of ependymoma, especially if it's located in the spinal cord. The pain may be sudden or develop slowly over time [1][5].
• Dizziness and Balance Problems: Ependymomas can cause dizziness and balance problems due to increased intracranial pressure or blockage of cerebrospinal fluid flow [3][4].
• Eye Problems: Some people with ependymoma may experience eye problems, such as double vision or blurred vision, especially if the tumor is located in the brain [9].

Symptoms Depending on Location

The symptoms of ependymoma can vary depending on its location. For example:

• Brain Ependymomas: Can cause increased intracranial pressure, leading to severe headaches, seizures, irritability, and personality changes [12][14].
• Spinal Cord Ependymomas: Can cause pain, weakness, fatigue, and loss of appetite [6][10].

Grading and Aggressiveness

The symptoms of ependymoma can also depend on its grade. Higher-grade tumors tend to be more aggressive and may exhibit more severe symptoms.

It's essential to note that these symptoms can vary from person to person, and not everyone with ependymoma will experience all of them. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

References:

[1] Context result 1 [3] Context result 3 [4] Context result 4 [5] Context result 5 [8] Context result 8 [9] Context result 9 [10] Context result 10 [12] Context result 12 [14] Context result 14

To diagnose cellular ependymoma, a combination of imaging tests, analysis of tumor tissue, and molecular testing are used.

Imaging Tests

• Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard imaging study for ependymoma [4]. This test uses large magnets and a computer to create images of the inside of your body.
• MRI can help identify the location and size of the tumor, as well as any potential spread to surrounding tissues [10].
• Imaging tests are usually sufficient to diagnose ependymoma, especially if the tumor is located in the central nervous system (CNS) [11].

Tumor Tissue Analysis

• A biopsy is required to definitively diagnose ependymoma. This involves removing a small sample of tissue from the tumor and examining it under a microscope [2].
• A neuropathologist will test the CSF sample to look for tumor cells or other abnormalities, which can help confirm the diagnosis [1].

Molecular Testing

• Molecular testing can also be used to diagnose ependymoma. This involves analyzing the genetic material of the tumor cells to identify specific mutations or changes that are associated with this type of cancer [13].
• Radial glia cells are candidate stem cells of ependymoma, and molecular testing can help identify these cells and confirm the diagnosis [14].

Other Diagnostic Tests

• A neurological exam is also used to diagnose ependymoma. This involves checking vision, hearing, balance, coordination, strength, and reflexes to see if there are any problems in one or more of these areas [9].
• Other diagnostic tests may be needed depending on the individual case, but imaging tests, tumor tissue analysis, and molecular testing are usually sufficient to diagnose cellular ependymoma.

References:

[1] Context 2 [2] Context 3 [4] Context 4 [9] Context 9 [10] Context 10 [11] Context 11 [13] Context 13 [14] Context 14

Treatment Options for Cellular Ependymoma

Cellular ependymoma, also known as classical or anaplastic ependymoma, is a type of brain tumor that arises from the ependyma, a thin membrane lining fluid-filled cavities in the brain and spinal cord. While there are limited treatment options available, researchers have been exploring various drug treatments to target this specific type of ependymoma.

Targeted Therapy

One promising approach is targeted therapy, which uses medicines that attack specific chemicals in tumor cells. By blocking these chemicals, targeted treatments can cause cancer cells to die or prevent them from growing (4). This approach has shown potential in treating various types of cancers, including ependymomas.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is another treatment option for cellular ependymoma. However, the role of chemotherapy in this type of tumor is still being studied and established (5). Researchers are working to identify effective chemotherapy regimens that can target specific genetic signatures associated with ependymomas.

Clinical Trials

Several clinical trials have been conducted or are ongoing to investigate new treatments for cellular ependymoma. These trials aim to evaluate the safety and efficacy of various drugs, including those targeting specific genetic mutations (10). One such trial is testing a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy in treating patients with newly diagnosed ependymoma.

Emerging Treatments

Recent studies have identified potential treatment leads for ependymoma through high-throughput screening. These findings suggest that certain compounds may be effective in targeting ependymoma cells (11). Further research is needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of these emerging treatments.

Current Treatment Guidelines

While there is no cure yet for ependymoma, current treatment guidelines recommend a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy as the primary treatment options. However, it's essential to note that individualized treatment plans may vary depending on the specific characteristics of each patient's tumor (6).

In summary, while there are limited treatment options available for cellular ependymoma, researchers are actively exploring various drug treatments, including targeted therapy and chemotherapy. Emerging treatments, such as those identified through high-throughput screening, hold promise for improving outcomes in patients with this type of brain tumor.

References:

• [4] Targeted therapy uses medicines that attack specific chemicals in the tumor cells.
• [5] The role of chemotherapy has not yet been established.
• [6] Surgical resection, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are the primary treatment options.
• [10] Maintenance Chemotherapy or Observation Following Induction Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy in Treating Patients With Newly Diagnosed Ependymoma.
• [11] An integrated in vitro and in vivo high throughput screen identifies treatment leads for ependymoma.