Intramedullary ependymomas: clinical presentation, surgical treatment strategies and prognosis

Intramedullary ependymomas are rare tumors but comprise the majority of int ramedullary glial neoplasms in the adult. These tumors are benign, slow-gro wing lesions which are optimally treated with gross-total surgical resectio n without adjuvant therapy. This objective can be attained safely in a majo rity, of patients. Post-operative functional outcome is related to pre-oper ative functional status. Hence, early diagnosis, prior to symptomatic progr ession, is critical to the successful treatment of these tumors. Adjuvant t herapy is indicated for the rare malignant or disseminated tumor or followi ng sub-total resection.