Subependymoma

Disease Overview

Subependymomas are slow-growing brain tumors that are usually benign. They are most often found in the fourth or lateral ventricles in the brain, but may occur in the spine.[7213][7219] Symptoms depend on the tumor location.[13299] Some people do not have symptoms, while others may have headaches, changes in vision, and/or difficulty with balance.[7219] These symptoms are thought to be due to obstruction of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) due to the tumor’s location.[7219] Most subependymomas are benign with a low recurrence rate. However, a few progress to anaplastic ependymoma (a faster growing tumor).[13299] The cause of subependymomas is not well understood. Surgery to remove the tumor is often curative.[7219]

Synonyms

• Subependymal astrocytoma (formerly)