Overview By Mayo Clinic Staff Print Ependymoma is a growth of cells that forms in the brain or spinal cord. The cells form a mass called a tumor. Ependymoma begins in the ependymal cells. These cells line the passageways that carry cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. There are different types of ependymomas. Some grow slowly and aren't considered cancerous. Noncancerous tumors also are called benign tumors. A benign ependymoma may grow to press on nearby tissue. Sometimes ependymomas grow more quickly and are considered cancerous. Cancerous tumors also are called malignant tumors. A malignant ependymoma may grow to invade and destroy nearby tissue. Cancerous cells can break away and spread within the brain or spinal cord. Ependymoma can occur at any age, but most often happens in young children. Children with ependymoma may experience headaches and seizures. Ependymoma that occurs in adults is more likely to form in the spinal cord. It may cause weakness in the part of the body controlled by the nerves affected by the tumor. Surgery is the primary treatment for ependymoma. For tumors that are growing quickly or for tumors that can't be removed completely with surgery, additional treatments may be recommended. These may include radiation therapy, radiosurgery, chemotherapy or targeted therapy. Request an appointment Diagnosis & treatment March 22, 2025 Print Share on: FacebookTwitter Living with ependymoma? Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Adolescent & Young Adult (AYA) Cancer support group on Mayo Clinic Connect, a patient community. Adolescent & Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Discussions Can a hodgkins lymphoma survivor go to his college? 9 Replies Sun, Apr 20, 2025 chevron-right Ampullary cancer: What are the chances of surviving? 28 Replies Wed, Apr 16, 2025 chevron-right Just scared: Cancer and scared leaving my daughter behind 13 Replies Thu, Apr 10, 2025 chevron-right See more discussions Show references Winn HR, ed. Ependymomas. In: Youmans and Winn Neurological Surgery. 8th ed. Elsevier; 2023. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Sept. 22, 2023. Upadhyaya SA, et al. Intracranial ependymoma and other ependymal tumors. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Sept. 22, 2023. Childhood ependymoma treatment (PDQ) — Patient version. National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/types/brain/patient/child-ependymoma-treatment-pdq. Accessed Sept. 22, 2023. Central nervous system cancers. National Comprehensive Cancer Network. https://www.nccn.org/guidelines/guidelines-detail?category=1&id=1425. Accessed Sept. 22, 2023. Related Associated Procedures Brain stereotactic radiosurgery Chemotherapy Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) MRI Radiation therapy Show more associated procedures Products & Services A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition Show more products and services from Mayo Clinic EpendymomaSymptoms&causesDiagnosis&treatmentDoctors&departments Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. NEW: Mayo Clinic Guide to Better Sleep Listen to Health Matters Podcast Mayo Clinic on Incontinence The Essential Diabetes Book FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book CON-20117720 Patient Care & Health Information Diseases & Conditions Ependymoma