pediatrics
Ependymomas
Introduction
Ependymomas are slow-growing central nervous system tumors that involve the ventricular system. Diagnosis is based on MRI and biopsy. Treatment is a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and sometimes chemotherapy. Ependymomas are the third most common Overview of Central Nervous System Tumors in Children (after Ependymomas are derived from the ependymal lining of the ventricular system and can occur in the supratentorial area, posterior fossa, or the spine. Ependymomas are usually malignant. In children, ependymomas most commonly occur in the posterior fossa, followed by the supratentorial area, and then least commonly the spine (up to 10% of cases). In contrast, the majority (> 60%) of ependymomas in adults occur in the spine ( References ). 