Prognosis

“Prognosis” refers to the probable course and outcome of the disease. Physicians reference one or more clinical studies to obtain their prognosis statistics. Some clinical studies are more detailed than others and distinguish factors like months versus years, overall survival versus progression-free survival, partial resection versus complete resection, age, gender and or tumor grade. Therefore, it is hard to combine all the studies and factors to create one “accurate” number. Prognosis statistics should be used as a reference, but not a final predictor of your specific case. Every person’s situation is different and should be treated individually. Your doctor is the best source of information about prognosis.

Ependymoma prognosis statistics for pediatric patients

The five-year survival rate for pediatric patients with ependymoma is roughly 60 percent*. This number includes all ages, location and grade of ependymoma. However, when viewed independently, older children do better than younger children and spinal tumors are associated with a significantly better prognosis than both supratentorial and infratentorial tumors. There is little difference in the overall survival between males and females with ependymoma.  

Ependymoma prognosis statistics for adult patients

According to multiple studies, the five-year survival rate for adult ependymoma is over 65 percent*, although the prognosis is worse for patients with grade III tumors. Adults with spinal cord ependymomas have a better prognosis. Overall, prognosis is improved when the entire tumor can be removed by surgery and if there is no spread of the tumor to other parts of the brain or spinal cord.

See more Ependymoma Statistics

*Both Location and Age Predict Survival in Ependymoma: A SEER Study. – McGuire, Sainani, Fisher

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