Ependymoma

Ependymoma is a type of brain tumor. It develops from the ependymal cells that line the ventricles of the brain and the spinal cord’s central canal. Ependymoma can occur anywhere in the brain or spine that is situated in the main part of the brain and the cerebrum. It may spread to the spinal cord through the cerebrospinal fluid. Ependymoma is divided into two types: supratentorial (situated on the top portion of the head) or infratentorial (situated on the back of the head). Ependymomas in children are mainly of the infratentorial type and take place within or close to the brain’s fourth ventricle. The flow of cerebrospinal fluid may be blocked by the ependymomas thus rendering the ventricles to enlarge to a condition what is known as hydrocephalus. Ependymomas are different from other types of brain tumors as they do not spread to the spinal cord, healthy brain tissues or the outer area of the brain.