Anaplastic ependymoma is a fast-growing malignant brain or spine tumor that can cause various symptoms, especially in young patients. Diagnosis is challenging, and treatment usually involves surgery, radiation, and sometimes chemotherapy. Even after surgery, malignant cells can remain and require further treatment.
Anaplastic ependymoma is a type of malignant ependymoma commonly found in young patients. These tumors grow rapidly, and many people who develop them will experience complications or even die. This is especially true if the cancer is not caught and treated early. Most of these growths, although rare, occur in children and adults under the age of 25. Cancers like this can appear in the elderly but are much rarer.
Ependymoma tumors grow from cells within the brain cavity or spine. Depending on where the tumor is located, it can produce different symptoms. Difficulty walking, trouble sleeping, memory loss, and impaired vision can occur due to an anaplastic ependymoma. Tumors found in the back of the brain can block the cerebrospinal fluid, causing vomiting, headaches and nausea. A child may become disinterested in food and eating due to the anaplastic lesion.
Diagnosing an anaplastic ependymoma can sometimes be difficult because the symptoms associated with the tumor are also associated with other diseases and ailments. Typically, an MRI or CT scan is used to locate the tumor. Many doctors prefer to use an MRI scan because they believe it shows more detail. When a doctor looks at the tumor under a microscope, it can also be difficult for him to determine whether the tumor is a normal ependymoma or an anaplastic ependymoma because there are very subtle differences between the two cell types.
Normal ependymomas are slow growing and are usually treated with radiation. These types of growths are considered low grade. Anaplastic ependymomas, however, are considered high-grade tumors or lesions and many times require surgery and radiation. Sometimes chemotherapy is also used. The type of treatment a doctor recommends for a malignant ependymoma generally depends on the patient’s age.
Surgery to remove the tumor is not always a cure. Although a surgeon can remove all of the tumor, malignant cells can still be present in the brain. These cells can be killed by chemotherapy or radiation. Otherwise, the cancerous cells can form a new tumor or spread through the cerebrospinal fluid to other areas of the body. Anaplastic ependymoma cells that have spread from the brain are more likely to be found in patients younger than five years of age.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
