Overview
What is pediatric ependymoma?
Pediatric ependymoma is a rare type of tumor that forms in a child’s brain or spinal cord. It starts in cells that line the ventricles (fluid-filled spaces in the brain) and the canal that holds the spinal cord. Nearly half of all ependymomas are diagnosed in children under age 3.
Signs and symptoms
Is it pediatric ependymoma?
Symptoms can include:
Headaches
Nausea and vomiting
Seizures
Trouble with balance
Mood changes
Pain or stiffness in the neck
Unsteady walking
Balance problems
Weak legs
Blurred vision
Trouble peeing or pooping
Confusion
Diagnosis of ependymoma
Your child’s doctor will do a full physical exam and take a detailed medical history.
Additional tests might include:
Treating ependymoma
How we can help
Treatments for ependymoma include:
Surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible
Understanding pediatric cancer
Our UW Carbone Cancer Center specialists offer the most advanced treatment options. Our pediatric cancer and blood disorder experts are national research leaders. We test new therapies and continue to work on therapies for pediatric cancer and blood disorders. For many children with rare or hard-to-treat conditions, clinical trials provide new options.
Locations
A first-class facility
Meet our team
Experts caring for your child
Your child’s team will include:
Oncologists (cancer doctors)
Hematologists (blood disease doctors)
Nurse practitioners
Child life specialists
Pain management specialists
Physical, occupational and speech therapists
Radiologists and radiation technologists
Social workers
Patient and support services
You’re never alone
When your child needs hospitalization, they will be admitted to American Family Children's Hospital in Madison, Wis.
Child life specialists help your child and family cope with any fears and anxieties. The American Family Children's Hospital Patient and Family Visitor Guide features information about:
Hero beads
Hospital school
Positive Image Center
Spiritual care services
Tyler's Place (sibling child care)