Hi Dr. Landolfi;
Here is the next question from the group. First though, I want to pass on the sincere "thanks" expressed by many of the group members for your assistance.
Upon recurrence, do ependymomas return as a higher grade? If so, why?
Thank you (as always)
Bruce
The doctor's response...
Low grade tumors may enlarge without changing grade. Upon recurrence, tumor may return as the same grade or more commonly as a higher grade. Typically when the appearance on MRI has changed (for example, picking up contrast), the tumor is a higher grade, but not always. For this reason it is important to get further tissue-biopsy or reresection.
Dr. Landolfi