4 Accurate Medulloblastoma Symptoms

Medulloblastoma is the most common type of brain tumor in children. It is a cancer that starts in the lower part of the brain, called the cerebellum. Medulloblastoma can spread to other parts of the brain and spinal cord. Medulloblastoma is a fast-growing tumor. Medulloblastoma can spread to other parts of the brain and spine. One of the most common medulloblastoma symptoms is a headache. Most medulloblastomas are diagnosed in children between the ages of 5 and 9. Medulloblastoma is also found in adults, but it is much less common.

There are four subtypes of medulloblastoma: classic, desmoplastic/nodular, large cell anaplastic, and WNT-driven. The subtype is determined by how the cells look under a microscope. Medulloblastoma is treated with surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The treatment type depends on the child's age, the tumor's size and location, and whether the cancer has spread.

Types of Medulloblastoma

There are four subtypes of medulloblastoma: classic, desmoplastic/nodular, large cell anaplastic, and WNT-driven. The subtype is determined by how the cells look under a microscope.

• Classic Medulloblastoma: Classic medulloblastoma makes up about 60% of all medulloblastomas. It is more common in boys than girls. Classic medulloblastoma usually starts in the middle of the cerebellum. It can spread through the spinal fluid to other parts of the brain and spine.

• Desmoplastic/Nodular Medulloblastoma: Desmoplastic/nodular medulloblastoma makes up about 20% of all medulloblastomas. It is more common in boys than girls. Desmoplastic/nodular medulloblastoma usually starts in the middle of the cerebellum. It can spread through the spinal fluid to other parts of the brain and spine.

• Large Cell Anaplastic Medulloblastoma: Large cell anaplastic medulloblastoma makes up about 10% of all medulloblastomas. It is more common in boys than girls. Large cell anaplastic medulloblastoma usually starts in the middle of the cerebellum. It can spread through the spinal fluid to other parts of the brain and spine.

• WNT-Driven Medulloblastoma: WNT-driven medulloblastoma makes up about 10% of all medulloblastomas. It is more common in boys than girls. WNT-driven medulloblastoma usually starts in the middle of the cerebellum. It can spread through the spinal fluid to other parts of the brain and spine.

Medulloblastoma can spread to other parts of the brain and spine. One of the most common medulloblastoma symptoms is a headache. Other medulloblastoma symptoms are nausea, vomiting, and double vision.

Causes of Medulloblastoma 

The cause of medulloblastoma is unknown. However, several risk factors may increase the chance of developing medulloblastoma. There are several risk factors for medulloblastoma, including:

- Age: Medulloblastoma is most common in children between 5 and 9.

- Gender: Medulloblastoma is more common in boys than girls.

- Family history: Having a family member with medulloblastoma increases the risk of developing medulloblastoma.

- Genetic Disorders: Certain genetic disorders, such as neurofibromatosis type 1 and Gorlin syndrome, increase the risk of medulloblastoma.

- Radiation Exposure: Exposure to radiation, such as ionizing radiation, increases the risk of medulloblastoma.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Medulloblastoma

Medulloblastoma is typically diagnosed with a combination of imaging tests and a biopsy. Imaging tests, such as MRI and CT scans, create images of the brain and spine. A biopsy is a procedure in which a tissue sample is removed from the brain or spine and examined under a microscope.

Medulloblastoma is treated with surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The treatment type depends on the child's age, the tumor's size and location, and whether the cancer has spread.

Surgery: Surgery is the primary treatment for medulloblastoma. Surgery aims to remove as much of the tumor as possible.

Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. It is typically used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It is typically used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.

Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy is a newer treatment that uses drugs or other substances to target specific cancer cells.

Prognosis for Medulloblastoma

The prognosis for medulloblastoma depends on the child's age, the size and location of the tumor, and whether the cancer has spread. In general, children with medulloblastoma have a good prognosis. About 70% of children with medulloblastoma are cured. However, medulloblastoma can come back in some children. Children with medulloblastoma that has spread to other parts of the brain or spine have a lower chance of being cured.