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Ependymoma

 

 

Classification

The most recently released classification system by the World Health Organization classifies the different subtypes of ependymomas into categories based on prognosis.

The commonest type seen in children is ependymoma (II) involving the posterior fossa.

 

WHO Grading Scheme for Ependymoma:

Tumor Type (WHO Grade) Characteristics
Subependymoma (I)
  • Rare, usually in older adults
  • Often in 4th and lateral ventricles
  • Benign
  • Highly differentiated
  • Sharply demarcated
Myxopapillary (I)
  • Typically in filum terminale and conus medullaris
  • Differentiated cells
  • Less malignant than normal ependymoma
  • Very uncommon intracranially
Ependymoma (II)
  • Most common in brain and spinal cord
  • Subtypes: cellular, papillary and clear cell
Anaplastic Ependymoma(III)
  • More aggressive tumor
  • Highly undifferentiated
  • Poor prognosis

 

 

 

 

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