The AJ Update

What is Childhood Medulloblastoma?
Medulloblastoma, although rare, is a common brain tumor in children, responsible for 25% of all pediatric brain cancers. About 500 cases are diagnosed annually in the U.S. Usually diagnosed before the age of 10, medulloblastoma occurs in the cerebellum, a portion of the brain that plays a vital role in coordinating muscular movements. Tumors grow quickly and can invade neighboring portions of the brain. If tumor cells get into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), medulloblastoma can spread to other areas of the central nervous system. In rare instances, it can spread outside the brain and spinal cord. Medulloblastoma affects both sexes, although it’s slightly more common in boys.

Medulloblastoma is believed to arise from fetal cells that remain in the cerebellum after birth. However, cancer experts have differing opinions on whether or not medulloblastoma is a type of primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET), which originates from leftover fetal cells.