anaplastic ependymoma

Anaplastic ependymomas (WHO grade III ependymomas), in comparison to lower grade ependymomas, are characterized by a higher proliferative rate and a greater tendency to infiltrate surrounding brain or disseminate into cerebrospinal fluid causing drop metastases . The relevance of grading ependymomas is questionable, though, and molecular subgroups are likely to carry greater importance .

Epidemiology

About 25% of ependymomas exhibit features of anaplasia with a high mitotic rate, microvascular proliferation, cellular pleomorphism, and intratumoral necrosis; these are considered WHO grade lll .

Pathology

These tumors have a greater propensity to infiltrate surrounding brain or spinal cord parenchyma and have a higher proliferative rate.

Radiographic features

Anaplastic ependymomas have appearances that are similar to grade II ependymomas, although they may have a greater predilection for invading adjacent parenchyma .

Treatment and prognosis

The treatment and prognosis of ependymomas are not clearly influenced by histological grading .

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