children s health issues
Ependymomas
Introduction
The central nervous system is made up of the brain and spinal cord. Ependymomas are slow-growing central nervous system tumors that develop from cells lining the spaces within the brain (ventricles) or spinal cord. Ependymomas are usually cancerous (malignant). The cause of ependymomas is not known. Symptoms depend on the location of the tumor and may include headaches, vomiting, listlessness, and problems with balance. Diagnosis is made by an imaging test and a biopsy. Treatment includes surgery, radiation therapy, and sometimes chemotherapy. The prognosis depends on the child's age and on how much of the cancer is removed. Ependymomas are the third most common Overview of Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors in Children , accounting for 10%. The majority of children diagnosed with ependymoma are about 6 years of age. However, about one third of cases occur in children younger than 3 years of age. In children, most ependymomas develop in or near the area in the back of the brain at the bottom of the skull called the posterior fossa. This area contains the cerebellum (which helps control coordination and balance) and the brain stem (which controls critical body functions such as breathing). Ependymomas also occur in the upper part of the brain called the supratentorial area. This area contains the cerebrum, fluid-filled spaces (ventricles), choroid plexus, hypothalamus, pineal gland, pituitary gland, and optic nerve. Sometimes ependymomas develop in the spinal cord. 