What is Medulloblastoma?

Medulloblastoma is a brain cancer that consists of a malignant tumor of the central nervous system (CNS). It grows in the cerebellum, a region towards the back part of your brain.

Medulloblastoma predominantly occurs in children and teenagers up to 16 years old. Although less common among older persons, it occurs among adults as well. In adults, medulloblastoma typically presents between the ages of 20 and 45 years.

This cancer is uncommon, occurring in approximately 437 children and adults annually in the U.S. However, it is the most frequent form of brain tumor in children. It is most often diagnosed between ages 5 and 9.

Medulloblastomas tend to develop rapidly. The cancer may spread to other areas of your brain and spinal cord through cerebrospinal fluid (a clear fluid that cushions your brain and spinal cord from injury).

What are the symptoms of Medulloblastoma?

Medulloblastoma symptoms can vary based on age, tumor size, and stage. Common warning signs include:

• Back pain
• Balance issues
• Vision changes
• Difficulty walking
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Tiredness
• Urinary or bowel incontinence

What causes Medulloblastoma?

Researchers are not sure why medulloblastoma occurs. However, some genetic disorders may increase the risk of developing this condition in you or your child.

• BRCA1 gene mutations: BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes that help make proteins for repairing damaged DNA. If someone inherits certain changes in these genes, they have a higher risk of developing various types of cancer.
• Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS): Also referred to as Gorlin syndrome, this inherited syndrome tends to occur together with basal cell skin cancers. Individuals with NBCCS also have approximately a 5% risk of medulloblastoma.
• Turcot syndrome: Individuals with Turcot syndrome have colon cancer and have a tumor in their central nervous system, such as medulloblastoma or pituitary adenoma.
• Li-Fraumeni syndrome: Individuals with Li-Fraumeni syndrome are at risk for sarcomas, breast cancer, other forms of brain cancer (such as gliomas and choroid plexus carcinomas), adrenal cancer, and leukemia.

How do doctors diagnose medulloblastoma?

Your doctor will discuss with you the signs and symptoms and take a detailed history. They may order tests to establish your diagnosis if they suspect medulloblastoma.

Tests that are used:

There are several tests that can allow your health care provider to come to a diagnosis. These, from least invasive to most, may be:

• Neurological exam: Your health care provider will examine your hearing and eyesight, and your coordination and reflexes. This is a way to establish which part of your brain can be impacted.
• Imaging Tests: These could be MRI or CT scans. They allow your health care provider to check for brain tumors.
• Biopsy: In certain situations, your doctor will take a sample of tissue and have it tested by a pathologist. They usually only perform a biopsy if imaging studies are not sufficient to make the diagnosis.
• Spinal Tap (Lumbar Puncture): A doctor removes a sample of cerebrospinal fluid to check for cancer cells. Doctors often only order a spinal tap after they have removed the tumor or relieved the pressure in your brain.

How is medulloblastoma treated?

It varies with several factors, such as your age, general health, and the size of the tumor. The most frequently used treatment for medulloblastoma is surgery and chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or both.

• Chemotherapy: Your oncologist can administer chemotherapy drugs after surgery, after radiation therapy, or concurrently with radiation therapy. In a few cases, a stem cell transplant is performed after chemotherapy.
• Radiation therapy: This therapy may eliminate remaining cancer cells after surgery. Your doctor can use it with chemotherapy.
• Surgery: A surgeon can operate to eliminate the buildup of pressure on your brain or to remove the tumor. Sometimes, it's impossible to remove the entire tumor since it develops close to structures deep in your brain.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

If you or your child comes down with a collection of symptoms such as headaches, nausea, confusion, or changes in vision, see a healthcare provider. Individuals who already have medulloblastoma being treated should report any side effects to their healthcare provider. They can treat your symptoms and relieve you of your discomfort.

What can I expect if I have medulloblastoma?

Your health care team can consist of:

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

They'll develop an individualized treatment plan based on your unique needs.

Can you live with medulloblastoma?

In most instances, yes. Though medulloblastoma can spread to your entire nervous system, most individuals can be cured. There is a greater survival rate if the medulloblastoma hasn't yet extended to other areas of your brain and spinal cord.

What is the outlook for medulloblastoma?

The overall five-year medulloblastoma survival rate is more than 80%. This indicates that more than 80% of all individuals diagnosed with medulloblastoma are alive five years after their diagnosis. Researchers estimate these figures based on past medulloblastoma outcomes.

However, remember that survival rates can't inform you about what will occur in your case. To learn more about survival rates and how they apply to you, discuss them with your healthcare provider.

Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Medulloblastoma Treatment in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital offers advanced Medulloblastoma treatment in Lucknow, India, at an affordable cost. We have a team of experienced neurosurgeons and neuro-oncology specialists who provide accurate diagnosis and treatment options including tumor resection, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy procedures. Our Neurosurgery and Neuro-Oncology team has decades of experience in successfully treating Medulloblastoma in Lucknow, India.

To seek an Expert Consultation for Medulloblastoma Treatment in Lucknow, India:

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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