Medulloblastoma

A malignant, invasive brain tumour arising from the cerebellar vermis.

The most common malignant brain tumour of childhood.

Symptoms, due to a mass effect from the tumour or to obstructive hydrocephalus, include morning headaches, nausea, vomiting, diplopia (manifestation of sixth nerve palsy), and ataxia. Vomiting often relieves the headaches.

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain are used to diagnose the condition.

Treatment is surgery, usually with cerebrospinal fluid diversion, followed by chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.

A malignant, invasive brain tumour arising from the cerebellar vermis. The vast majority of medulloblastomas arise sporadically in the first two decades of life. As it is largely a tumour of childhood, this monograph will not deal with medulloblastoma in adults, although the management is similar in adults and children.