Subependymal giant cell tumours are a rare type of non-cancerous (benign) brain tumour. They are also sometimes called subependymal giant cell astrocytomas. People with a condition called tuberous sclerosis are most likely to be affected.
They are usually found in young people up to the age of about 20 years old but occasionally they are found in older people.
Symptoms are most often caused by a build up of fluid on the brain - this is called hydrocephalus.
The brain is surrounded by a clear fluid called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF is being made all the time. It circulates around the brain before flowing back into the bloodstream. Subependymal giant cell tumours can block the flow of CSF. This makes fluid build up and puts pressure on the brain. This is called obstructive hydrocephalus.
Symptoms of obstructive hydrocephalus vary from person to person. The age of the person also affects their symptoms.
Babies and toddlers may have symptoms such as:
- sickness (vomiting)
- irritability
- drowsiness
- and poor appetite.
Also, because the bones of the skull are not yet closed in babies, the soft spot on top of their head may bulge and their head may become bigger.
In older children and adults, symptoms may include:
- headaches
- feeling sick
- vomiting
- changes in concentration and memory
- and loss of co-ordination and balance (clumsiness).
Young children who have tuberous sclerosis, and so are at risk of developing subependymal giant cell tumours, may be offered regular brain scans. This is so that if a tumour develops it is found at an early stage, before it causes symptoms.
The main treatment is surgery to remove the tumour. This usually results in a complete cure.
Reference:
- Chen TC et al. Uncommon glial tumours. In, Kaye AH, Laws ER eds, Brain tumors: an encyclopedic approach. Churchill Livingstone, 2001.