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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Ependymoma and Subependymoma?

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Ependymoma and subependymoma are both rare brain tumors that arise from the ependymal cells near the ventricles of the brain and spinal cord. However, there are differences between the two:

  1. Grade: Ependymoma is a higher-grade tumor, while subependymoma is a lower-grade tumor.
  2. Histological characteristics: Subependymomas are slow-growing, benign ependymal neoplasms histologically characterized as grade I tumors. Ependymomas, on the other hand, are higher-grade tumors of neuroectodermal origin that share a predilection for the fourth ventricle.
  3. Location: Both tumors can arise in similar locations, but ependymomas tend to present in the posterior fossa and extend out of the foramina of Luschka (15%), which subependymomas rarely do.
  4. Imaging characteristics: Ependymomas exhibit heterogeneous patterns of enhancement on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, while subependymomas do not enhance at all. Additionally, ependymomas are more common in young children, while subependymomas are more common in adults.
  5. Treatment: Surgery is a common treatment option for both tumors, but the delicate location of these tumors often makes complete surgical removal challenging.

In some cases, these tumors can present as a mixed lesion, with 5% to 20% of subependymomas harboring ependymomatous foci. Combined subependymoma-ependymoma tumors tend to behave more aggressively due to the ependymomatous component.

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  • What is the Difference Between Ependymoma and Subependymoma?
  • Comparative Table: Ependymoma vs Subependymoma

    • Comparative Table: Ependymoma vs Subependymoma

    Ependymoma and subependymoma are both tumors that arise from the ependymal cells near the ventricles of the brain and spinal cord. However, they have different characteristics and aggressiveness. Here is a table summarizing the differences between ependymoma and subependymoma:

    Feature Ependymoma Subependymoma
    Grade Higher grade (often grade III or anaplastic) Lower grade (grade I)
    Aggressiveness More aggressive, with anaplastic subtypes being highly aggressive Less aggressive
    Diagnosis Specialized tests used to identify types of cells and level of aggressiveness Diagnosed through CT scan, MRI scan, and DSA-angiography
    Treatment Surgery to remove ependymoma, radiation therapy (X-rays), radiosurgery, and chemotherapy Preferred surgical treatment is neuroendoport® surgery, a minimally invasive surgery offering various benefits
    Location Often occurs in the posterior fossa and extends out of the foramina of Luschka Rarely extends out of the foramina of Luschka
    Mixed Lesions 5% to 20% of subependymomas harbor ependymomatous foci Uncommon presentation of mixed lesions

    Both ependymoma and subependymoma are central nervous system tumors, and their exact origins and relationships are still being researched. It is important for clinicians to have a low index of suspicion for mixed subependymoma-ependymoma lesions, as misdiagnosis can lead to significant harm.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of SĂŁo Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.