Recurrent extraventricular anaplastic ependymoma with scalp metastasis

Abstract

Extraneural metastasis from anaplastic ependymoma is uncommon. In a study from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center where the authors reviewed 81 ependymomas cases (between 1956 and 1989) there were only five (6.2%) cases had extraneural metastases. We present a case of anaplastic ependymoma with scalp metastasis and discuss the possible mechanism of spread. In majority most of the cases of metastatic extracranial ependymoma patients have underlying progressive intracranial disease. Although these patients receive standard treatment for the primary tumor (Gross total resection and radiotherapy) and the management options for recurrences includes re-excision, focal re-irradiation, stereotactic radiosurgery, or craniospinal radiotherapy for metastatic disease the long term outcome is not favorable.

Keywords

• Anaplastic ependymoma
• scalp metastasis
• brain tumors