Medulloblastoma

Medulloblastoma is a malignant, invasive brain tumor arising from the cerebellum.

It is the most common malignant brain tumor of childhood.

Symptoms, due to a mass effect from the tumor 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 and spine are used to diagnose the condition.

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

Medulloblastoma is a malignant, invasive brain tumor arising most commonly from the cerebellar vermis adjacent to the roof of the fourth ventricle. It can also occur in the lateral hemispheres of the cerebellum or arise from the progenitor cells of the dorsal brain stem/lower rhombic lip. The vast majority of medulloblastomas arise sporadically in the first two decades of life. As it is largely a tumor of childhood, this topic will not deal with medulloblastoma in adults, although the management is similar in adults and children.