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Medulloblastoma

Authors:
  • Michael Jubinville, MPH
Publication Type:

Condition

Medulloblastoma

(Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor)

Definition

Medulloblastoma is a type of harmful brain tumor. It starts in the cerebellum, at the bottom and back of the brain.

The cerebellum is a center for balance, coordination, and movement. Over time, the tumor can cause problems with these functions. This tumor can also block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. Blocked flow can cause a buildup of pressure in the brain. Medulloblastoma can also spread to other parts of the nervous system through the CSF.

Cerebellum and Brain Stem.

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Causes

Cancer is when cells in the body split without control or order. These cells go on to form a growth or tumor. The term cancer refers to harmful growths. These growths attack nearby tissues. They also spread throughout the brain or spinal cord. It is not clear exactly what causes these problems. It is likely a mix of genes and the environment.

Risk Factors

A medulloblastoma can happen at any age. It is more common in children.

Symptoms

Symptoms may not be noticed at first. Over time, they will appear and worsen.

A medulloblastoma may cause:

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Headaches, mainly in the morning
  • Lack of coordination in the upper part of the body
  • Vision problems such as double vision or not being able to look up with the eyes
  • Changes in hunger
  • Changes in behavior
  • Stumbling or falling
  • Fatigue
  • Seizures

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and health history. The answers and a physical exam may point to a medulloblastoma. The doctor may also want to do:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the stage and type of cancer. The goals of treatment are to:

  • Remove as much of the tumor as possible to:
    • Ease problems caused by pressure on nearby structures
    • Restore the flow of CFS
  • Cure the cancer and keep it from coming back

Prevention

Medulloblastoma cannot be prevented.

Surgery

A craniotomy is done to remove the tumor.

If there is a problem with the flow of CSF, these may be needed:

  • A ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt—Plastic tubes ease CSF fluid buildup in the brain. It flows to the chest or belly.
  • Endoscopic third ventriculostomy—A small hole is made below the brain that lets CSF flow.
  • External ventricular drain (EVD)—A plastic tube runs from the brain to a bag outside of the body. CSF drains into the bag.

Surgery

A craniotomy is done to remove the tumor.

If there is a problem with the flow of CSF, these may be needed:

  • A ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt—Plastic tubes ease CSF fluid buildup in the brain. It flows to the chest or belly.
  • Endoscopic third ventriculostomy—A small hole is made below the brain that lets CSF flow.
  • External ventricular drain (EVD)—A plastic tube runs from the brain to a bag outside of the body. CSF drains into the bag.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is the use of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It may be used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.

A special type is used on the entire brain and spinal cord called craniospinal irradiation.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. It may given by mouth, shots, or IV. The drugs enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the body.

Chemotherapy may be used to support other treatments.

Medications

Medicines can be given to help with any side effects from the other treatments.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Brain and nervous system cancers. Kids Health—Nemours Foundation website. Available at: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/brain-tumors.html.
  • Brain and spinal cord tumors in adults. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/brain-spinal-cord-tumors-adults.html.
  • Brain and spinal cord tumors in children. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/brain-spinal-cord-tumors-children.html.
  • Medulloblastoma. Boston Children’s Hospital website. Available at: https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions/medulloblastoma.
  • Medulloblastoma. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/medulloblastoma.

Contributors

  • Rimas Lukas, MD
Last Updated:
2022-11-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.