Ependymoma Tumor Diagnosis Pathophysiology and Prognosis of Pediatric and Adult Patients

Abstract

Ependymomas are a rare type of tumor that affects the Central Nervous System (CNS) of adolescents and adults. The tumor derives from the Ependymal cells which are responsible for lining the ventricles containing cerebrospinal fluid within the brain and spinal cord. While pediatric patients are more likely to develop the tumor in the brain, adult patients mainly develop the tumor in the spinal cord region. (Gerstner, 2018). Ependymomas range from being slow growing Grade I tumors to malignant and fast growing Grade III tumors which are known as anaplastic. Current medical treatments for this tumor provide more positive outcomes for adult patients versus pediatric patients. This paper will explore the pathophysiology of the disease in both patient types in order to provide insight into possible differences that better explain the clinical outcome.