Introduction
Medulloblastoma arises from primitive neural cells. The tumors are almost exclusively found in children with the posterior fossa within the cerebellum.
Long recognized as one of the most common tumors in the posterior fossa, Medulloblastomas account for 4 percent to 10 percent of primary brain tumors. In patients under the age of 20, they account for between 15 percent and 20 percent of central nervous system tumors.
ssymptoms
- The most common symptoms are related to increased intracranial pressure due to hydrocephalus, including lethargy, headaches and vomiting occurring at first rarely but later every morning on awakening. After being upright and awake the child feels better and is able to return to normal activities.
- Later symptoms include difficulty walkingdue to balancing difficulty, dizziness and double vision.
Diagnosis
- Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are diagnose the presence of a posterior fossa tumor.
Treatment
Surgical decompression
The primary goal of surgery for a medulloblastomas is to remove as much tumor as possible and to restore the flow of CSF without producing neurological deficits. Surgery also provides tissue samples that can be used to obtain an accurate diagnosis. However, these tumors tend to spread, making total surgical removal of the tumor difficult and follow-up treatment a necessity.
Radiotherapy
Radiation therapy, using high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill tumor cells, is often used. Radiation therapy is not recommended for young developing brains and is avoided in children under the age of three. Radiation therapy, if needed, is technically very demanding and should be carried out in centers that have experience in that area to ensure optimal results.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping the cells from dividing. Chemotherapy is introduced to the bloodstream and travels throughout the body to kill tumor cells.