Congress Abstracts 2006

106

EPENDYMOMA: YOU ARE ALWAYS ON MY MIND. Suzanne Carroll, RN, MS, AOCN^®, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, NC.

Brain tumors account for 1.4% of all cancers and 2.3% of all cancer related deaths. Ependymoma is a rare brain tumor that typically occurs in children and accounts for only 5% of all brain tumors. Early clinical features of brain tumors are related to increased intracranial pressure and are manifested by headaches, seizures and nausea and vomiting. In January 2005 after 2 months of relentless symptoms I was diagnosed with this rare brain tumor.

The purpose of this poster presentation is to describe the clinical manifestations and treatment course for newly diagnosed ependymoma. Patients with brain tumors may experience an array of symptoms depending on the site, size and nature of the brain tumor. Surgical resection and radiation can produce unique neurological symptoms that may or may not resolve with time. Oncology nurses need to be familiar with the unique manifestations of brain tumors so they can best support their patients throughout the disease continuum.

An MRI of the head is the most common diagnostic tool used to identify brain neoplasms. Surgical excision is often employed as the initial treatment for brain tumors. Improvements in surgical techniques and management of postoperative cerebral edema have improved surgical intervention outcomes immensely. Postoperative MRI imaging and CSF analysis are performed to identify any leptomeningeal spread. My tumor was classified as a WHO Grade II Epenymoma and radiation therapy was indicated.

A thermal mask fused to my MRI results was used to immobilize by head to direct treatment to the fourth ventricular region of my brain. I then received a radiation boost directed to the tumor bed using a new device for immobilization called a Radio Cam.

As an oncology nurse I was suddenly thrust into a world of oblivion as a new cancer patient. I experienced many neurological deficits related to surgery, side effects from radiation, and tremendous anxiety over the uncertainty of my future. I learned first hand what our patients go through and how important it is to recognize and legitimize all of their concerns. It is my intent to share what I learned through this poster presentation.