Risk Factors of Ependymoma Childhood

Executive Summary

Risk factors influence the chance of developing cancer among individuals, but individuals with no risk factors also develop cancer. Risk factor of childhood ependymoma is not seen as the direct cause of an illness but can influence its development. The actual cause of ependymoma childhood brain tumors is still unknown. Ependymoma tumors are considered to grow from the glial cells in the brain or spine, which turn out to be cancerous and form brain tumors when they start to grow uncontrollably. Hence the cause of ependymoma brain tumors is mostly genetic. Other risk factors of childhood ependymoma include neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), which is a genetic disease, more likely to develop ependymoma brain tumors. Apart from this genetic risk, there are no other known causes or risk factors for ependymoma childhood.

Ependymoma childhood is the rarest type of brain tumor whose specific cause or risk factors remain unclear. But a good part of ependymoma is that there are competent treatment options available, and the survival rate for this brain tumor is excellently high.

Risk Factors Associated with Ependymoma Childhood

Risk factors refer to the factors that can increase a person’s chance or probability of developing a ependymoma or illness. Risk factors of ependymoma childhood are not seen as the direct cause of an illness but can influence its development. Some people with several risk factors do not develop the disease or condition, while others with no risk develop them. 

The actual cause of ependymoma childhood brain tumors is still unknown. Studies are still analyzing what causes the ependymoma childhood tumor, its risk factors and measures to prevent it. Ependymoma are rare brain tumors that develop in the spinal cord or brain. These tumors are known to grow from the glial cells in the brain or spine; hence they are considered glioma. Typically glial cells provide support and stability to neurons in the Central Nervous System. But these cells turn cancerous and form brain tumors when they start to grow uncontrollably. Hence the cause of ependymoma brain tumors is mostly genetic ^​1​.

Some studies have found that children and adults with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), a genetic disease, are more likely to develop ependymoma brain tumors ^​2​. The genetic condition increases a person’s risk of developing several kinds of brain tumors. Neurofibromatosis type 2 is known to cause tumors on nerve tissues, and the condition is genetically inherited. Other than this, there is no known risk factor for developing ependymoma childhood brain tumors. Also, it is not known whether the development of these tumors is influenced by a person’s health history, lifestyle or cardiovascular metrics.

Apart from this genetic risk, there is no other known cause or risk factors for ependymoma childhood. Due to this, it’s rather impossible to state measures to screen or prevent the disease condition at present. The best disease prognosis happens with timely diagnosis and effective treatment. People should watch for symptoms and signs and consult a healthcare provider as and when necessary. The doctor will recommend a detailed physical examination, neurological examination and other diagnostic procedures to determine the underlying problem. 

Ependymoma childhood are the rarest types of brain tumors whose specific cause or risk factors is still unclear. But a good part of ependymoma is that there are competent treatment options available, and the survival rate for this brain tumor is excellently high.

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