Can you survive ependymoma?

Can you survive ependymoma?

The relative 5-year survival rate for ependymoma is 83.9% but know that many factors can affect prognosis. This includes the tumor grade and type, traits of the cancer, the person’s age and health when diagnosed, and how they respond to treatment. If you want to understand your prognosis, talk to your doctor.

What are the symptoms of ependymoma?

Common signs and symptoms of ependymoma can include:

• Headache.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Pain that wakes you up.
• Dizziness and balance problems.
• Eye problems, such as double or blurry vision.
• Weakness or numbness in an arm or leg.
• Trouble with balance or walking.
• Bowel or bladder problems.

Can ependymoma be cured?

All grades of ependymoma tumors are considered cancer. Like other primary brain and spinal cord tumors, these cancers are different in that they tend not to spread to other parts of the body, but can recur and require treatment. As with other cancers – some can be cured but others cannot.

How is ependymoma treated?

Surgery is the primary treatment for ependymoma. For more aggressive tumors or for tumors that can’t be removed completely with surgery, additional treatments, such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy, may be recommended.

Do ependymomas grow back?

Even after the best treatment, ependymomas can regrow or recur. There is no way to predict which patients are more likely to have tumor recurrence.

How is ependymoma diagnosed?

In addition to a physical examination, the following tests may be used to diagnose ependymoma:

1. Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan. A CT scan takes pictures of the inside of the body using x-rays taken from different angles.
2. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
3. Biopsy.
4. Lumbar puncture (spinal tap).

How does ependymoma affect the body?

Ependymoma can occur at any age, but most often occurs in young children. Children with ependymoma may experience headaches and seizures. Ependymoma that occurs in adults is more likely to form in the spinal cord and may cause weakness in the part of the body controlled by the nerves that are affected by the tumor.