Ependymoma

How is an ependymoma diagnosed? 

Your child’s physician will perform a variety of diagnostic procedures to determine the exact type of tumor and whether the tumor has spread. These may include:

• physical exam - including neurologic function tests including: reflexes, muscle strength, eye and mouth movement, coordination and alertness.
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body and/or spine
• computerized tomography scan (also called a CT or CAT scan) – used to capture a detailed view of the body, in some cases
• biopsy – a tissue sample taken from the tumor during a surgical procedure to provide information about the type of tumor
• lumbar puncture (also called an LP or spinal tap) - to remove a small sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and determine if any tumor cells have spread