Program Operations Manual System (POMS)
TN 57 (08-23)
COMPASSIONATE ALLOWANCES INFORMATION
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ANAPLASTIC EPENDYMOMA
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ALTERNATE NAMES
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Anaplastic Ependymal Cancer; Anaplastic Ependymal Carcinoma; Anaplastic Ependymoma
Cancer; Anaplastic Ependymoma Carcinoma; Anaplastic Tumor; Anaplastic Ependymal Cancer;
Anaplastic Ependymal Tumor; Malignant Ependymoma
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DESCRIPTION
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Anaplastic Ependymoma is a malignant tumor that forms in the central nervous system (including the brain
and spinal cord). An ependymoma is anaplastic if the cells grow very quickly and are
significantly unusual in shape.
The symptoms of an anaplastic ependymoma depend on the age of the person and the size
and location of the tumor. Anaplastic ependymoma is very aggressive and is classed
by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a Grade III central nervous system cancer
(CNS).
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DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, PHYSICAL FINDINGS, AND ICD-9-CM/ICD-10-CM
CODING
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Diagnostic testing: The diagnosis of anaplastic ependymoma is made by:
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan;
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Tumor resection (removal).
Physical findings: Symptoms of anaplastic ependymoma may include:
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Changes in mood or personality.
ICD-9: 191.9
ICD-10: C71.9
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PROGRESSION
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Ependymomas can occur at any age. When ependymomas occur in children, they are frequently
located in the brain (intracranial). In adults, ependymomas are often found in the
spinal cord.
The exact cause of anaplastic ependymoma is not known, but it is thought that certain
changes (acquired pathogenic variants, also known as somatic genetic changes) in specific
genes in some cells of the body allow the cells to begin growing quickly.
For Grade III anaplastic ependymomas the prognosis is poor. The relative 5-year survival
rate for ependymoma is about 60% but many factors can affect prognosis. This includes
the tumor grade and type, traits of the cancer, the person’s age and health when diagnosed,
and how they respond to treatment.
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TREATMENT
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The treatment of anaplastic ependymoma is surgical if the tumor is localized and technically
resectable. If surgery is not an option, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are alternative
treatments.
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SUGGESTEDPROGRAMMATIC ASSESSMENT*
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Suggested MER for Evaluation:
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Clinical history and examination that describes the diagnostic features of the impairment;
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Imaging reports such as CT scan or MRI scan; and
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Biopsy or needle aspiration information found in operative notes, pathology reports,
summaries of hospitalization or other medical reports that include details of the
surgical and pathological findings.
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Suggested Listings for Evaluation:
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DETERMINATION
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LISTING
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REMARKS
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Meets
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13.13 A 2
113.13 B
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Anaplastic ependymoma is a Grade III CNS cancer. Response to treatment is not necessary
to meet the listing.
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Equals
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* Adjudicators may, at their discretion, use the Medical Evidence of Record or the
listings suggested to evaluate the claim. However, the decision to allow or deny the
claim rests with the adjudicator.
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