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​Intraventricular Tumors and Lesions (Ventricular Tumors and Lesions)

What is a Intraventricular Tumor?

Ventricles are hollow areas within the brain that are filled with cerebrospinal fluid, a clear liquid that surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord.

Intraventricular tumors (also known as ventricular tumors) are generally benign tumors or lesions found within the ventricles of the brain. These tumors may arise from a variety of cells in the region and often obstruct the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and cause a buildup of pressure in the skull.

Intraventricular tumors and lesions include:

At UPMC, the preferred surgical treatment for intraventricular tumors is Neuroendoport® surgery. Neuroendoport surgery gives surgeons access to the tumor through a dime-size channel. This minimally invasive approach offers benefits such as:

  • Minimal scarring
  • Fewer side effects and complications
  • Faster recovery times than with traditional surgery

Diagnosing an Intraventricular Tumor

Common symptoms

Your doctor will also ask you about your symptoms. These may include:

  • Headache
  • Confusion
  • Speech, vision, or memory problems
  • Personality changes
  • Weakness or loss of sensation in the arms and/or legs
  • Seizures

Testing for intraventricular tumors

Intraventricular tumors can be identified by imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans.

Intraventricular Tumor Treatment

Minimally invasive surgery

Intraventricular tumors are surgically removed to alleviate the pressure caused by the obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid flow.

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 these tumors through a tiny incision in the scalp, in contrast to traditional brain surgery.

UPMC's neurosurgical team will thoroughly evaluate you and look at your condition from every direction. We will find the path that is least disruptive to your brain, critical nerves, and ability to return to normal functioning.

Neuroendoport® Surgery
This animation illustrates the removal of a metastasis using the Neuroendoport technique.