Ependymoma Treatment

Ependymoma treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The type of ependymoma treatment a doctor recommends depends on the amount of tumor that is removed, whether the cancer cells have spread to other parts of the central nervous system, and the patient's age and general health. Members of a patient's ependymoma treatment team include oncologists, neurologists, and psychologists.

 

Ependymoma Treatment: An Overview

Ependymoma treatment options vary based on:
 
  • The amount of tumor that is removed
  • Whether the cancer cells have spread to other parts of the central nervous system
  • The patient's age and general health.
     
In general, ependymoma treatment options can include:
 
  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy.
     
Parents of children with ependymoma should work with their child's doctor to develop a treatment plan that meets your child's medical needs and your family's personal values. Choosing ependymoma treatment is a decision that ideally involves the patient, the family, and the healthcare team.
 

Healthcare Providers Involved in Ependymoma Treatment

There are usually several healthcare providers involved in a person's ependymoma treatment. For children, a pediatric oncologist will oversee care. The doctor may refer patients to doctors who specialize in treating ependymoma, or patients may ask for a referral. Specialists who treat ependymoma include:
 
  • Neurosurgeon
  • Neurologist
  • Neuropathologist
  • Neuroradiologist
  • Rehabilitation specialist
  • Medical oncologist
  • Radiation oncologist
  • Endocrinologist
  • Psychologist.
     
Children with ependymoma may also need tutors to help with schoolwork.
 
(Ependymoma Treatment Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD