Subependymomas are benign tumors in the ventricles that grow from the ventricular wall into the spinal fluid spaces within the brain. These lesions may obstruct spinal fluid flow and/or put pressure on surrounding structures, causing symptoms including headaches and confusion.
When possible, the preferred surgical treatment at UPMC for subependymomas is Neuroendoport® Surgery, which provides access to the ventricles through a dime-size channel. This minimally invasive approach offers the benefits of minimal scarring, fewer side effects and complications, and faster recovery times.
Subependymomas can be identified by imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans.
Your physician will also ask you about your symptoms. These may include:
- headaches
- confusion
- seizures
- nausea or vomiting
- weakness or loss of sensation in the arms and/or legs
- speech, vision, or memory problems
- personality changes
Surgery is the standard treatment for subependymomas.
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.
