Medulloblastoma

Medulloblastoma is a cancerous tumor of your central nervous system (CNS). It forms in the cerebellum, an area near the back of your brain.

Medulloblastoma mostly affects children and teens under the age of 16. Though rarer in older individuals, it can occur in adults as well. Medulloblastoma in adults is usually diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 45.

This type of cancer is rare, affecting about 437 children and adults in the U.S. each year. But it is the most common type of brain tumor in children. Most cases are diagnosed between the ages of 5 and 9.

Medulloblastomas usually grow quickly. The cancer can spread to other parts of your brain and spinal cord through cerebrospinal fluid (a clear fluid that protects your brain and spinal cord from injury).

Symptoms of medulloblastoma

Medulloblastoma symptoms can vary depending on several factors, including your age, the size of the tumor and its stage of development. These symptoms may depend on the location of the tumor or because of pressure buildup inside of your skull. Warning signs may include:

• Back pain
• Balance issues
• Changes in vision
• Difficulty walking
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Tiredness
• Urinary or bowel incontinence (accidents with peeing and pooping)

Medulloblastoma causes

Researchers don’t know exactly why medulloblastoma happens. But there are certain genetic disorders that could increase your or your child’s risk for developing the condition, including:

• BRCA1 gene mutations. BRCA1 (breast cancer gene 1) and BRCA2 (breast cancer gene 2) make proteins to help repair damaged DNA. People who inherit certain variants of these genes have increased risks for many types of cancer.
• Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS). Also called Gorlin syndrome, this hereditary condition often occurs alongside basal cell skin cancers. People with NBCCS have about a 5% chance of developing medulloblastoma.
• Turcot syndrome. People with Turcot syndrome have colon cancer along with a tumor in their central nervous system, such as a medulloblastoma or pituitary adenoma.
• Li-Fraumeni syndrome. People with Li-Fraumeni syndrome have an increased risk of sarcomas, breast cancer, other types of brain cancer (like gliomas and choroid plexus carcinomas), adrenal cancer and leukemia.

How doctors diagnose medulloblastoma

Your healthcare provider will talk with you about symptoms and review your medical history in detail. If they suspect medulloblastoma, they’ll recommend tests to confirm your diagnosis.

Tests that are used

There are a few different tests that can help your healthcare provider make a diagnosis. These tests, from least to most invasive, might include:

• Neurological exam. Your healthcare provider will check your hearing and vision, along with your coordination and reflexes. This helps determine which area of your brain may be affected.
• Imaging tests. These might include MRI or CT scans. They can help your healthcare provider look for brain tumors.
• Biopsy. In some cases, your healthcare provider may take a tissue sample and send it to a pathologist for testing. Generally, they only do a biopsy if imaging tests aren’t enough to diagnose the condition.
• Spinal tap (lumbar puncture). A surgeon takes a sample of cerebrospinal fluid to test it for cancer cells. Healthcare providers usually only recommend a spinal tap after removing the tumor or managing the pressure buildup in your brain.

How is medulloblastoma treated?

It depends on many factors, including your age, overall health and the size of the tumor. The most common medulloblastoma treatment involves surgery followed by chemotherapy, radiation therapy or both.

• Chemotherapy. Your oncologist may give you chemotherapy drugs after surgery, after radiation therapy or in combination with radiation therapy. In some instances, a stem cell transplant is done after chemotherapy.
• Radiation therapy. This treatment can get rid of cancer cells that remain after surgery. Your healthcare provider may use it in combination with chemotherapy.
• Surgery. A neurosurgeon can do surgery to relieve the pressure buildup on your brain or to remove the tumor. Sometimes, complete removal of the tumor isn’t possible because it forms near structures deep within your brain.

Recovery time

Length of treatment can vary from person to person. Those who undergo any type of brain surgery usually need at least four to eight weeks to recover. For chemotherapy or radiation therapy, treatment could last several weeks or several months, depending on the case. To learn more about your or your child’s estimated treatment or recovery time, talk with your healthcare provider.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

If you or your child develops a combination of symptoms like headaches, nausea, confusion or vision changes, schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider. Those who are already undergoing medulloblastoma treatment should inform their healthcare provider about any side effects. They can help you manage your symptoms and ease your discomfort.

What can I expect if I have medulloblastoma?

Your team of medical experts may include:

• Medical oncologists
• Neurosurgeons
• Pathologists
• Physical therapists
• Radiologists
• Radiation oncologists
• Neuropsychologists

They’ll create a personalized treatment plan according to your specific needs.

Can you survive medulloblastoma?

In many cases, yes. While medulloblastoma has the potential to spread throughout your entire nervous system, many people can be cured. There’s a higher chance of survival if the medulloblastoma hasn’t spread to other parts of your brain and spinal cord.

What is the prognosis for medulloblastoma?

The five-year medulloblastoma survival rate is over 80%. This means that over 80% of all people diagnosed with medulloblastoma are still alive five years later. Researchers base these numbers on medulloblastoma outcomes in the past.

But keep in mind, survival rates can’t tell you what will happen in your situation. To better understand survival rates and what they mean for you, talk to your healthcare provider.