Ependymoma

Question: At 27 I was told that I had a tumor called an ependymoma. Is that type hereditary? I had it removed from my spinal cord with few complications but I am scared that my children could have problems with it. Does anyone eles know of an adult having this type tumor. It is primarily in infants and toddlers and it is hard to find information about adult cases.

Answer: Ependymomas can be hereditary in some cases. For example, they can be seen in patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) and clusters have been seen in some families, which suggest inheritance of a genetic susceptibility to this type of tumor. Just because you have a genetic susceptibility, doesn't mean that you get the tumor. It is probably unlikely that your children will have problems with this, especially if your parents and siblings were unaffected. If you are seriously concerned for your children, you might consider talking to a genetic counselor who can discuss what the risk or probability is.

Question: spinal cord ependymoma? how long the survival of a patient with intramedullary spinal cord tumor, ependymoma grade 2 (total resect)?

Answer: Even if total removal of the tumor is achieved and control of somatosensory evoked potentials are preserved throughout operation, there may be sensorial ataxia due to the dissection at opening of the posterior sensory tracts. Long term prognosis should be good. However, you would need to consult with the neuro surgeon to discuss the matter in detail. Hope this helps Matador 89

Question: i am suffer from ependymoma, astrocytoma/granuloma.? MRI REPORT: focal syringomyelia noted in dorsal cord at D7-D8 level with thinning of the cord at this level. on contrast study, a well defined hyperintense lesion noted in the dorsal cord at D7 and D8 disc level measuring 13 x 6mm. there is small proximal and distal syringomyelia, extending proximally upto D7 level for distance of 2cm. the lesion shows moderate nodular / ring enhancement with contrast. Why this dieses came? what happen if ependymoma grow more without treatment? what is the best solution to cure?

Answer: It is a mistake to think you can pinpoint a cause for your tumor. Ependymomas have no known environmental cause. Many medical conditions cannot be predicted or prevented. Consider what a miracle it is that anyone is actually born intact! Do you have both an ependymoma and an astrocytoma? or is it unclear which one you have? It is important to have this treated. Whether it is benign or malignant, it will eventually damage your spinal cord at the D7-D8 level, leaving you unable to walk, among other things. Treatments usually involve surgery and radiation, including stereotactic radiosurgery. Good luck to you.

Question: I need information regarding ependymoma II and its treatment, can any one enlight me please? Thanks, E. Colon?

Answer: Hope these links will help you: http://www.emedicine.com/PED/topic693.ht… http://www.infobiogen.fr/services/chromc…

Question: i had spinal cord tumor & it was ependymoma grade 2 .am i need radiotherapy?

Answer: Depends upon what your specialist says. You must have had surgery to remove the tumor you mentioned? Please go get a second, third opinion! You might need radiaton and if it is stage 2 hopefully you can kill it before it spreads to your nodes and everywhere else. Start treatment NOW before it is too late.

Question: I learned that the doctors want to put a shunt into my brain to drain fluid. Has anyone had this procedure and? what can I expect? Will this be permanent or temporary procedure? This is a fast growing ependymoma which the doctors at Mayo have no experence with. Waiting you ansewer

Answer: Once a shunt is placed, it's usually permanent. The tube will divert fluid from inside the cranial cavity into your abdominal cavity where it can be reabsorbed by the peritoneum. If the tumor is blocking the ventricles of the brain which allow circulation of cerebrospinal fluid, a shunt will be a necessity. If the doctors at Mayo have no experience with ependymoma, find yourself a different neurologist. Althought these tumors are often benign and slow growing, your case should be managed by doctors who know what they are doing - especially if you end up requiring surgery or other treatment. Best of luck.

Question: whats the side effects of radiotherapy? i have to do radiotherapy coz i had ependymoma(grade 2) resection in my spinal cord

Answer: It depends on what dose of radiation you are receiving and to which area of the body. I'll assume it is in your spine since that is where you had surgery. At first, radiation causes some transient edema (swelling) by making the blood vessels in the irradiated area dilate. This can result in soreness in the irradiated area and possibly worsen your pretreatment symptoms. The swelling usually goes down in about 3 days after the start of treatment. You will notice reddening of the skin (erythema) around a week to two weeks into the treatment. You have to be gentle with it and try not to scrub at it when washing or and definately do not scratch it. It helps if you put an unscented waterbased moisturizer on it to keep the skin from drying out. Depending on the treatment energy/technique/dose/field size, some of the underlying organs may incur some side effects from the treatment as well. This can vary from nausea, sore throat, cough, diarrhea, etc etc depending on which organs are involved. It can also cause general discomfort and loss of appetite. Another general side effect of radiation is fatigue, which may or may not occur. It really depends on each individual and how their body tolerates the radiation. Experiencing/not experiencing side effects does not affect the overall efficacy of the treatment unless it requires treatment stoppage or changes to the prescription dose. Your radiation oncologist should describe all the expected side effects to you and the long term risks of the treatment. You can always ask the radiation therapists once your treatment starts as well. Good luck!

Question: Can you help a child dying of Cancer? Alex Rodriguez is a beautiful child. He is only 5 years old, but for more then half of his life he has been battling an Ependymoma Brain Tumor. After many treatments and surgeries he is now at home and is with his family and many friends. There is nothing more the doctors can do, but we can send up prayers for him and his family. He loves balloons and I was thinking of something I did when I was young and in grammar school. We all wrote down a prayer to God and were given a helium balloon to tie it to. I want anyone reading this to try to send up a prayer to God for Alex and his family. Do it individually, do it in groups, but send up your prayers to heaven. I still remember the feeling of seeing the balloons and prayers drifting upward. It seems so beautiful and graceful. Please visit this website for information on Alex and his family: http://www.benefitforalex.com/ http://www.benefitforalex.com/update.htm God Bless You!!!

Answer: i most ceratinly will pray....and keep us posted on the results. take care.

Question: cancer survival? how long is the survival of spinal cord ependymoma(grade2,tanycytic) after total resection with out chemo or radiation?

Answer: That is an inappropriate question for this foum I'm afraid...it is a quesion that you should be discussing with your oncology physician.

Question: spinal cord tumor? i had spinal cord tumor (ependymoma grade 2) i had surgery.now i feel very low energy may i have suplement like vitamins?

Answer: You really should talk to your doctor about this. Vitamins could react with your medicine or condition.