Detailed Information on Medulloblastoma

Medulloblastomas are tumors that occur in the posterior fossa region of the brain. These tumors are also referred to as primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET). Tumors that have the similar characteristics can also arise in other parts of the brain. This tumor type has a tendency to spread to other areas of the brain and spinal cord. Tumours affecting the central nervous system (CNS), which is made up of the brain and spinal cord, are fairly rare. Medulloblastomas arise in the fourth ventricle, between the brain stem and the cerebellum.

The primary symptoms of any brain tumour are usually due to increased pressure within the skull (raised intracranial pressure). Common symptoms are unsteadiness, headaches, and vomiting due to hydrocephalus (from blockage of cerebrospinal fluid flow). Other specific symptoms connected with medulloblastoma are nystagmus (jerky eye movements), stiffness in the neck, and muscle weakness. The symptoms that people have will depend on the size and position of the tumour. The tumour is more common in boys than girls. Medulloblastoma almost always occurs in children less than 15 years old, and most commonly between the ages of 5-6 years.

In adults, medulloblastoma is rare, comprising less than 2% of CNS malignancies. They can also arise in adults, but this is extremely rare. The cause of medulloblastoma is unknown. Medulloblastoma is associated with recessively inherited Turcot and ataxia-telangiectasia syndromes. The treatment for medulloblastoma depends on a number of factors, including your child's general health and the size and position of the tumour. Surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are used to treat medulloblastoma. The aim of surgery is to remove as much tumor as possible.

When surgery is done by highly skilled neurosurgeons using modern techniques, most tumors can be totally removed. Radiotherapy treatment is the employ of high-energy rays to kill the cancer cells and is commonly used after surgery to kill any remaining malignant cells. As medulloblastoma may spread through the CSF to the spinal cord, radiotherapy is given to the brain and spinal cord. Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer drugs that destroy cancer cells. It may be given alone, or together with surgery and radiotherapy, to treat medulloblastoma. Chemotherapy may be given to young children instead of radiotherapy.