Medulloblastoma
Medulloblastoma: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Future Outlook.: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Future Outlook.
Disclaimer:
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Content is sourced from third parties, and we do not guarantee accuracy or accept any liability for its use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical guidance.
What is Medulloblastoma?
Medulloblastoma is a malignant brain tumor originating from primitive neuroectodermal cells in the cerebellum, the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor (20% of cases). Subtypes include WNT (best prognosis), SHH, group 3 (aggressive), and group 4. In 2025, ~500 US cases annually, peak age 3-8, slight male predominance, often metastasizing via CSF to spine/brain.
Symptoms
Symptoms include headaches (morning, with vomiting), nausea, ataxia (unsteady gait), dizziness, vision changes, hydrocephalus (irritability, lethargy in infants), and neck stiffness. Advanced causes back pain or weakness from spinal metastases. Symptoms progress over weeks to months.
Causes
Genetic mutations (PTCH1 in SHH, CTNNB1 in WNT) drive growth, with syndromes (Gorlin, Turcot) increasing risk. Radiation or family history contribute rarely. In 2025, genomics show subgroup-specific drivers.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis uses MRI showing cerebellar mass, CT for hydrocephalus, lumbar puncture for CSF cytology, and biopsy for histology/molecular subtyping. In 2025, AI MRI and NGS improve classification.
Treatment
Surgery removes tumor, followed by radiation (craniospinal) and chemotherapy (cisplatin, vincristine, cyclophosphamide). Targeted therapies (vismodegib for SHH) reduce radiation in low-risk. In 2025, immunotherapy trials enhance outcomes.
Future Outlook
In 2025, 5-year survival is 70-80%, higher in WNT (95%). Subgroup-targeted therapies reduce toxicity. By 2030, vaccines and CAR-T could achieve 90% survival.
Sources
Cleveland Clinic’s “Medulloblastoma: Symptoms, Treatment & Outlook” for symptoms; Mayo Clinic’s “Medulloblastoma – Symptoms and causes” for causes; NCI’s “Childhood Medulloblastoma and Other CNS Embryonal Tumors Treatment” for treatment; PMC’s “Medulloblastoma: An Overview of Diagnosis and Treatment” for overview; OncoDaily’s “Medulloblastoma: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment” for details; St. Jude’s “Medulloblastoma” for pediatric insights; Dana-Farber’s “Medulloblastoma” for care; Cancer Research UK’s “Medulloblastoma” for research; Brain Tumor Charity’s “Medulloblastoma” for outlook; Healthline’s “Medulloblastoma: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment” for treatment.