Ependymoma is a brain tumor that develops from ependymal cells that line cavities within the brain. These cells produce and store cerebrospinal fluid, which bathes the brain and spinal cord and helps to maintain uniform pressure throughout the central nervous system. About 5 to10 percent of childhood central nervous system tumors are ependymomas.
Forty percent of these tumors are infratentorial, meaning they occur in the lower part of the brain. The remaining 60 percent are supratentorial, which means they are found in the upper portion of the brain.
Infratentorial ependymoma: Because these tumors occur in the lower portion of the brain, they can block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid or may spread via this fluid.
Supratentorial ependymoma: Supratentorial tumors can spread throughout the central nervous system.
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