What is Anaplastic Ependymoma?
An ependymoma is a tumour of the brain and spinal cord caused by abnormal growth of the ependymal cells in the brain or spinal cord. Anaplastic ependymoma is a condition that can affect anyone at any age, but it is more common in children under the age of four. It is characterised by rapidly growing, malformed cells that usually originate in the brain. Adults are more likely to have these tumours in the spinal cord. While in children, these tumours usually develop in the brain.
Causes
There is no well-known cause; however, certain mutations (false changes) in specific genes are responsible for the development of ependymoma in the brain and spinal cord.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of anaplastic ependymoma depend upon the location or origination of the tumour. Patients who have anaplastic ependymoma in the brain may suffer from the following:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
Patients who have anaplastic ependymoma in the spinal cord may suffer from the following:
- Pain in the back
- Numbness or weakness in the arms, legs, and chest
- Sexual weakness, problems in passing stool and urine
Diagnosis
The following diagnostic tests and procedures can be used to make a diagnosis:
- Imaging tests such as X-Ray, CT-scan (computerized tomography), PET-scan (positron emission tomography) help detect the site, size, and location of the tumour.
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Lumbar puncture
- Tumor biopsy and histopathological ependymoma.
Treatment
The main treatments for anaplastic ependymoma are surgery followed by radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted immunotherapy.
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