Myxopapillary ependymoma is a rare, usually benign tumor that occurs in the spine and is more common in younger adults. It can cause pain, loss of feeling or movement, and bladder problems. Surgery is the main treatment, and prognosis is generally good.
A myxopapillary ependymoma is a rare type of tumor that is usually benign or noncancerous and occurs more often in younger adults. The cause is unknown, but males are slightly more likely to develop this type of growth. Myxopapillary ependymoma belongs to a group of tumors known as ependymomas and is commonly found in the spine, although it can occur elsewhere in the body. The tumor grows slowly, is typically sausage-shaped, and can be up to 4 inches (10 cm) long with a smooth surface. Although the tumors are typically benign, rarely a large myxopapillary ependymoma of the sacrum can destroy the sacral bone at the lower end of the spine.
Ependymomas are part of a larger class of tumors known as gliomas. They develop from what are known as ependymal cells within the central nervous system. Myxopapillary ependymomas make up only about 100% of all ependymomas.
A myxopapillary ependymoma differs from other types of ependymoma in that it almost always develops in a part of the spine known as the cauda equina. The cauda equina is made up of a set of nerves that resemble a horse’s tail and extend from the bottom of the spinal cord. Cauda equina is a Latin phrase which means ponytail.
Symptoms of myxopapillary ependymoma can vary depending on the location of the tumor. If the tumor is in the typical area of the cauda equina, pain may be felt in the back or lower legs. The pain can be one-sided and sometimes it can affect the thighs and the region around the anus. There may be loss of feeling in parts of the body and possibly loss of movement. Sometimes bladder problems can occur.
Images obtained from CT scans and MRIs can be used to help confirm the diagnosis before treatment of myxopapillary ependymoma is done. Surgery may be performed to completely remove the tumor where possible. Complete removal may not be possible in the case of larger tumors and those that are difficult to separate from the cauda equina nerve roots. After surgery, the prognosis of myxopapillary ependymoma is generally good, and most patients are expected to survive for at least ten years after the operation. Recurrence of myxopapillary ependymoma does not occur very often and is even less likely in patients in whom the entire tumor is removed.
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