Medulloblastoma

Image of a shunt to aide
in CSF drainage due to hyproencephalus caused by a medulloblastoma. For More information visit :
http://www.childrenshospital.org/az/Site1286/mainpageS1286P0.html

This axial CT image illustrates
a Medulloblastoma in the fourth ventricle, resulting in hydroencephalus. http://www.flickr.com/photos/heitkamp/498282008/

This image demonstrates a large medulloblastoma located in the superior portion of the cerebellum. The tumor is marked with the letter “M”. http://radiographics.rsnajnls.org/cgi/content/full/23/6/1613

According to census, it is estimated that there are approximately 3,500 children diagnosed with medulloblastoma annually.

What is Medulloblastoma?
According to an article written by Dr. Vaplwala and Dr. Plastaras, the word medulloblastoma can be deconstructed into, inner (medulla) young (blast) tumor (oma). This tumor most commonly affects the cerebellum and fourth ventricle; however, further involvement may occur if medulloblastoma cells metastasize to the CSF. This type of tumor is commonly found in small children less than 15 years of age; however, it is most prevalent in children five years of age and younger.

Signs and symptoms
The most common symptoms presented with a medulloblastoma are nausea, severe vomiting, frequent headaches and changes in vision such as double or blurred vision. Also, one of the tell-tale signs that send a RED FLAG to the physician is reports that the child is having difficulty with maintaining his/her balance or holding on to objects. As we have learned in class, the cerebellum is responsible for motor coordination, balance, equilibrium and vision.

Treatment
The treatment for medulloblastoma begins with a contrast MR scan. Cerebrospinal fluid would promptly be collected to verify if the medulloblastoma cells had metastasized. Immediately following surgical resection of the tumor, the patient would undergo proton radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Prognosis
With the advancement in technology, physicians are able to more aggressively treat medulloblastoma, which significantly increases the child’s chances of survival. Children with this type of tumor have only 50% chance of remaining disease free several years following treatment.