Subependymoma

Overview

Subependymomas are composed of glial tumor cell clusters embedded in an abundant fibrillary matrix with frequent microcystic change. It is a histologic grade I tumor in the WHO classification

Symptoms

* Headaches * Nausea * Loss of balance * Sometimes no symptoms occur and tumor is detected incidentally

Prognosis

Subependymal tumors are slow growing tumors. Surgical resection alone often offers a cure. Post operative radiation treatment are often unnecessary. Uncommon recurrent cases have been reported and successfully managed with radiation therapy

Treatment

Surgery will be performed when possible. Radiation therapy may be used if the tumor progresses or recurs. A shunt may be needed to treat hydrocephalus.