How Do You Diagnose Ependymoma?
An ependymoma is a tumor arising from the ependyma, the membrane lining the central nervous system. The World Health Organization classifies these tumors in four grades according to histology. Ependymomas are caused by genetic events that are not understood, however, progress is being made toward determining the mutations that cause this type of tumor to develop. The following steps will show how to diagnose an ependymoma. Obtain the patient history and symptoms. This will vary greatly depending on the age of the patient and location of the lesion. Most patients will have neurological difficulties for three to six months before seeking treatment. Perform imaging studies. Laboratory studies are not helpful in diagnosing an ependymoma. A Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan should be performed with and without intravenous contrast. Study the images of an intracranial ependymoma. An unenhanced CT scan typically will show this tumor to be isodense with calcifi
