Side Effects

A tumor and its treatment can cause a variety of side effects. However, doctors have made major strides in recent years in reducing pain, nausea and vomiting, and other physical side effects of treatments. Many treatments used today are less intensive but as effective as treatments used in the past. Doctors also have many ways to provide relief to patients when such side effects do occur.

Fear of treatment side effects is common after a diagnosis of ependymoma, but it may be helpful to know that preventing and controlling side effects is a major focus of your child’s health-care team. Before treatment begins, talk with your child’s doctor about possible side effects of the specific treatments your child will be receiving. The specific side effects that can occur depend on a variety of factors, including the size and location of the tumor, the individual treatment plan (including the length and dosage of treatment), and your child’s overall health.

Ask your child’s doctor which side effects are most likely to happen (and which are not), when side effects are likely to occur, and how they will be addressed by the health-care team if they do happen. Also, be sure to communicate with the doctor about side effects your child experiences during and after treatment. Learn more about the most common side effects of cancer and different treatments, along with ways to prevent or control them.

In addition to physical side effects, there may be psychosocial (emotional and social) effects as well. Learn more about the importance of addressing such needs, including concerns about managing the cost of cancer care.

Learn more about late effects or long-term side effects by reading the After Treatment section or talking with your child’s doctor.