Spinal ependymomas are tumors arising from ependymal cells in or near the spinal cord.
They are usually benign tumors, but in rare cases they can be malignant (malignant). Since it is formed on the surfaces in contact with the cerebrospinal fluid, it has the feature of spreading by seeding (seeding metastasis). Ependymoma may occur in multiple foci in the brain and spinal cord. Who It Occurs: Spinal ependymomas can occur at any age, but usually occur in middle-aged adults. It can also be seen rarely in childhood.
Reason: The exact cause of spinal ependymomas is unknown. It is thought that genetic factors and some inherited syndromes may play a role. may be:
Diagnosis: In the diagnosis of spinal ependymomas, first of all, the patient's complaint is evaluated and it is evaluated whether there is any neurological loss. In neurosurgery, it is important when deciding whether this patient needs surgical intervention.
Neurological examination by imaging afterwards: The doctor evaluates the patient's neurological functions and symptoms, determines at what level of the spine there is a problem, and requests imaging for it.
Imaging tests: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most widely used method. MRI shows the size of the tumor, its location and its effect on nerve tissues. Possible changes in bone structures and surgical planning can be done with X-ray and tomography. A definitive diagnosis cannot be made by imaging. It is thought. The differential diagnosis becomes definite only when the tumor tissue is removed after the surgical intervention and the definitive diagnosis is reported in the pathology laboratory. is reported. Malignant ependymomas have a high risk of recurrence among nearly all ependymomas. When a mass is detected in the spinal cord, the first treatment option is surgery. Surgery The diagnosis of ependymoma is confirmed by the biopsy specimen removed by surgery. Surgical intervention is performed to completely remove the tumor. The aim of surgery is to control symptoms and reduce the risk of tumor recurrence. It is especially important for the complete removal of ependymomas without cell contamination. Because ependymomas have a tendency to recur from residual or cells that are transmitted to the surgical area.
Radiotherapy: Radiotherapy can be used after surgical intervention or in cases not suitable for surgery. Radiotherapy can help to control the tumor remaining after surgery. The patient needs regular follow-up. All brain and spinal cord regions should be scanned with contrast-enhanced MR imaging at 6-12 month intervals. The follow-up of ependymoma cases should definitely be carried out by multidisciplinary teams including neurosurgeons, oncologists and radiation oncologists.
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