Subependymomas are benign tumors in the ventricles that grow from the ventricular wall into the spinal fluid spaces within the brain.
These lesions may obstruct spinal fluid flow and/or put pressure on surrounding structures, causing symptoms including headaches and confusion.
At UPMC, the preferred surgical treatment for subependymoma is Neuroendoport® surgery. Neuroendoport surgery gives surgeons access to the lesions through a dime-size channel. This minimally invasive approach offers benefits such as:
Subependymomas can be identified by imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans.
Your doctor will also ask you about your symptoms to determine whether there is a correlation to a subependymoma diagnosis.
These may include:
Surgery is the standard treatment for subependymomas.
UPMC's neurosurgical team thoroughly evaluates each patient before surgery. We try to find a path that is least disruptive to your brain, critical nerves, and ability to return to normal functioning after treatment.
Neuroendoport surgery offers a minimally invasive option for tumors within the ventricles (fluid spaces) or deep-seated tumors within the substance of the brain. A narrow tube or port allows surgeons to access the subependymomas through a tiny incision in the scalp, in contrast to traditional brain surgery.
Neuroendoport® Surgery
This animation illustrates the removal of a metastasis using the Neuroendoport technique.
Your health information, right at your fingertips. Select MyUPMC to access your UPMC health information. For patients of UPMC-affiliated doctors in Central Pa, select UPMC Central Pa Portal. Patients of UPMC Cole should select the UPMC Cole Connect Patient Portal.
The portal for all UPMC patients EXCEPT those in Central Pa.
The portal for UPMC patients in Central Pa.
The portal for UPMC Cole patients receiving inpatient care.
