Ventricles are hollow areas within the brain that are filled with cerebrospinal fluid, a clear liquid that surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord. Intraventricular tumors are generally benign tumors found within the ventricles. These tumors may arise from a variety of cells in the region and often obstruct the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and cause a buildup of pressure in the skull.
Intraventricular tumors and lesions include:
The preferred treatment at UPMC for intraventricular tumors is Neuroendoport® Surgery, which provides access to the ventricles through at dime-size channel. This minimally invasive approach offers the benefits of minimal scarring, fewer side effects and complications, and faster recovery times.
Intraventricular tumors can be identified by imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans.
Your physician will also ask you about your symptoms. These may include:
- headache
- confusion
- speech, vision, or memory problems
- personality changes
- weakness or loss of sensation in the arms and/or legs
- seizures
Intraventricular tumors are surgically removed to alleviate the pressure caused by the obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid flow. Neuroendoport® Surgery offers a minimally invasive option for tumors within the ventricles (fluid spaces) or deep-seated tumors within the substance of the brain. A narrow tube or port allows doctors to access these tumors through a tiny incision in the scalp, in contrast to traditional brain surgery.
At UPMC, we take a 360° Approach to treatment when evaluating each patient—looking at their conditions from every direction—to find the path that is least disruptive to the patient's brain, critical nerves, and ability to return to normal functioning. Our neurosurgical team may recommend a combination of surgical and non-surgical approaches to maximize the benefits of surgery while minimizing risks.
