|
Classification
The most recently released classification system by the World Health Organization classifies the different subtypes of ependymomas into categories based on prognosis.
Table 3. WHO Grading Scheme
| Tumour Type (WHO Grade) |
Characteristics |
| Subependymoma (I) |
- Rare, usually in older adults
- Often in fourth and lateral ventricles
- Benign
- Highly differentiated
- Sharply demarcated
|
| Myxopapillary (I) |
- Typically in filum terminale and conus medullaris
- Differentiated cells
- Less malignant than normal ependymoma
- Uncommon intracranially
|
| Ependymoma (II) |
- Most common in brain and spinal cord
- Subtypes: cellular, papillary, clear cell
|
| Anaplastic Ependymoma(III) |
- More aggressive tumour
- Highly undifferentiated
- Poor prognosis
|
|