Cancerbackup: Q-148

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What is an ependymoma?

An ependymoma is a type of brain tumour, which starts in the cells of the supportive tissue of the brain. These supporting cells are called glial cells. Ependymal cells are a type of glial cell. They line the fluid filled spaces in the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord. Ependymomas develop from abnormal ependymal cells.

A tumour of the glial cells is called a glioma. Ependymomas are a rare type of glioma.


Content last reviewed: 01 June 2006
Page last modified: 07 June 2006

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