In which of the following sites do myxopapillary ependymomas most frequently occur?
A. Cerebellum
B. Conus medullaris
C. 4th ventricle
D. Lateral ventricles
E. Midbrain
CC...
in children------------4 th ventrical
in adult------------>spinal cord---->B conus medullaris also correct is it?
The correct answer is B.
Myxopapillary ependymoma is a variant of ependymoma, a tumor arising from ependymal cells. Histologically, myxopapillary ependymoma contains a myxoid (mucus-rich) intercellular matrix, in which spindly neoplastic ependymal cells are arranged in a fascicular and papillary pattern (hence its designation). It is a benign tumor that almost always occurs in the distal segment of the spinal cord, ie, the conus medullaris. Once excised, the patient is cured.
The cerebellum (choice A) is the favorite site for pilocytic astrocytomas, medulloblastomas, and hemangioblastomas, but not ependymomas.
In general, classic ependymomas occur in close proximity to the ventricular cavities, specifically, the 4th ventricle (choice C) in children and the lateral ventricles (choice D) in adults. The myxopapillary variant does not occur in either location.
A midbrain location (choice E) would be truly exceptional for any type of ependymoma.