Ependymoma - Childhood: Risk Factors

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 11/2022

ON THIS PAGE: You will find out more about the factors that increase the chance of developing ependymoma. Use the menu to see other pages.

A risk factor is anything that increases a person’s chance of developing cancer. Although risk factors often influence the development of cancer, most do not directly cause cancer. Some people with several risk factors never develop cancer, while others with no known risk factors do.

The causes of childhood ependymoma are unknown, and little is known about the risk factors or the best ways to screen for or prevent this disease. Researchers have found that children with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) have an increased risk of developing ependymoma. NF2 is an inherited condition that increases the risk of developing several different types of tumors of the central nervous system, including ependymoma.

The next section in this guide is Symptoms and Signs. It explains what body changes or medical problems ependymoma can cause. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.