MRI Medulloblastoma

Medulloblastoma is a type of brain tumor primarily affecting children, though it can also occur in adults. It is considered the most common malignant brain tumor in children. Medulloblastomas originate in the cerebellum or posterior fossa region of the brain, an area responsible for coordinating movement.

Causes

The exact cause of medulloblastoma is not fully understood. However, it is believed to involve genetic mutations, some of which may be inherited, although this is rare. Other cases seem to arise sporadically without a known cause.

Symptoms

Symptoms of medulloblastoma are generally related to increased intracranial pressure or disruption of cerebellar functions and can include:

• Headaches, often worse in the morning.
• Nausea and Vomiting, particularly in the morning.
• Problems with Coordination and Balance.
• Gait Disturbances: Difficulty in walking or a tendency to fall.
• Behavioral or Cognitive Changes: Changes in personality or school performance.
• Eye Problems: Double vision or other vision abnormalities.
• Increased Head Size in infants (due to open skull sutures).

Diagnosis

Diagnosis involves a combination of:

• Neurological Exam: To check vision, hearing, balance, coordination, strength, and reflexes.
• Imaging : MRI (most common), CT scans to visualize the tumor.
• Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap): To check for cancer cells in the cerebrospinal fluid.
• Biopsy: To confirm the diagnosis and classify the tumor subtype.

Treatment

Treatment for medulloblastoma is multi-modal and may include:

• Surgery: To remove as much of the tumor as safely possible.
• Radiation Therapy: Postoperative radiation is a standard treatment, especially for children over the age of 3. For younger children, strategies to delay or reduce radiation are considered due to long-term effects on the developing brain.
• Chemotherapy: Often used in conjunction with radiation therapy to increase treatment effectiveness.