Pathology - Ependymoma

Pathology - Ependymoma
Tumor originating from the ependyma of the ventricular system.
Primarily found in youngsters, typically in the fourth ventricle, but can also develop in the spinal cord of adults.

Pathology: Solid, papillary masses protruding from the floor of the fourth ventricle.
The cells are uniform and round with nuclei distributed in a fibrillary stroma in a perivascular pseudorosette formation. Tumor cells frequently contain blepharoplasts, which are rods located near the nucleus and represent basal ciliary bodies.
Obstructive hydrocephalus occurs when a tumor blocks the flow of cerebrospinal fluid by compressing the fourth ventricle. 

Clinical Symptoms and Signs 
Seizures, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms indicating elevated intracranial pressure.

Therapies 
Surgical removal is challenging due to the close proximity of brainstem nuclei.
The prognosis is unfavorable with an average survival time of 4 years.