Medulloblastoma: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
One kind of brain tumor that arises in the cerebellum—the area of the brain that regulates balance, coordination, and other motor functions—is called medulloblastoma. With 20% of all pediatric brain tumors being of this kind, it is the most prevalent malignant brain tumor in children. Adults can get medulloblastoma as well, but less commonly. Depending on the tumor's size, location, and rate of spread, several symptoms and problems may arise from medulloblastoma. Surgical procedures, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are used to treat medulloblastoma; the exact course of treatment depends on the patient's genetic subtype and risk category. The patient's age, the degree of tumor excision, and how well the patient responds to treatment are some of the variables that affect the prognosis of medulloblastoma.
Causes
Although the precise source of medulloblastoma is unknown, genetic abnormalities or alterations that take place during brain development are thought to be the cause. While some of these mutations may arise spontaneously or as a result of environmental conditions, others may be inherited from the parents. The following are a few genetic disorders that might raise the chance of medulloblastoma:
-
Gorlin syndrome, a disorder that causes multiple skin tumors and other abnormalities
-
Turcot syndrome, a disorder that causes colon cancer and brain tumors
-
Li-Fraumeni syndrome, a disorder that causes various types of cancer
-
Fanconi anemia, a disorder that affects the bone marrow and the blood cells
Symptoms
The symptoms of medulloblastoma may vary depending on the size and location of the tumor, and the pressure it exerts on the surrounding brain tissue and fluid. Some of the common symptoms are:
-
Headaches, especially in the morning or after lying down
-
Nausea and vomiting, especially in the morning or after lying down
-
Problems with balance, coordination, and walking
-
Difficulty with speech, vision, or hearing
-
Changes in personality, mood, or behavior
-
Seizures or convulsions
-
Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
-
Drowsiness or lethargy
Diagnosis
The patient's medical history, symptoms, and family history of cancer or genetic diseases will all be considered by the doctor in order to make the diagnosis of medulloblastoma. In addition, the physician will do a physical examination to look for any physical indications of elevated intracranial pressure, such as optic nerve enlargement or aberrant eye movements. In order to confirm the diagnosis and ascertain the size and spread of the tumor, the doctor may additionally prescribe certain tests, such as:
-
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a test that uses a powerful magnet and radio waves to create detailed images of the brain and the spinal cord
-
Computed tomography (CT) scan, a test that uses X-rays and a computer to create cross-sectional images of the brain and the spinal cord
-
Positron emission tomography (PET) scan, a test that uses a radioactive substance to measure the activity of the cells in the brain
-
Lumbar puncture, a procedure that involves inserting a needle into the lower back to collect and analyze the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and the spinal cord
-
Biopsy, a procedure that involves removing a small sample of the tumor tissue and examining it under a microscope to determine its type and grade
Treatment
The risk group, the tumor's genetic subtype, the patient's age, and overall health all affect how medulloblastoma is treated. The major objectives of treatment are to eradicate the tumor as much as possible, eliminate any cancer cells that may still be present, and minimize or avoid treatment-related adverse effects. The available treatments might consist of:
-
The initial course of therapy is surgery, which entails cracking open the skull to remove the tumor as much as possible while preserving healthy brain tissue. Additionally, surgery can help the symptoms and release pressure from the skull. Hydrocephalus, a disorder that results in fluid accumulation in the brain, can occasionally be prevented or treated with the insertion of a shunt, a tube that transfers extra fluid from the brain to the belly.
-
Radiation therapy is a medical procedure that stops the growth or kills cancer cells by using high-energy rays or particles. Following surgery, radiation therapy is often administered to the entire brain and spinal cord in an effort to eradicate any cancerous cells that may still be present and stop the tumor from growing back. Before surgery, radiation treatment may also be used to reduce the tumor's size and facilitate its removal. Side effects from radiation therapy might include tiredness, hair loss, nausea, vomiting, skin irritation, and cognitive issues.
-
Chemotherapy is a medical procedure that employs medications to either kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Following radiation therapy, chemotherapy is often administered to the entire body in order to eradicate any cancer cells that may still be present and stop the tumor from growing again. Radiation treatment may also be given with chemotherapy to maximize its effects, either before or during. A few of the negative effects of chemotherapy include hair loss, exhaustion, nausea, vomiting, mouth sores, infection, and bleeding.
-
Targeted therapy is a medical intervention that targets certain molecules or pathways implicated in the proliferation and survival of cancer cells using medications or other substances. A more recent strategy called targeted treatment has the potential to be less harmful and more successful than traditional chemotherapy. Based on the genetic subtype of the tumor, targeted therapy may be utilized either alone or in conjunction with other forms of treatment. Side effects with targeted treatment include rash, diarrhea, elevated blood pressure, and liver issues.
Prevention
There is no known way to prevent medulloblastoma, as it is a rare and complex disease that is not fully understood. However, some general measures that may reduce the risk of developing brain tumors or other cancers are:
-
Avoiding exposure to radiation, such as X-rays, CT scans, or nuclear accidents, especially in children
-
Avoiding exposure to chemicals, such as pesticides, solvents, or tobacco smoke, especially in children
-
Eating a balanced and healthy diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and low in fat, sugar, and processed foods
-
Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding obesity
-
Exercising regularly and staying physically active
-
Limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding binge drinking
-
Avoiding tobacco use and quitting smoking
-
Getting regular check-ups and screenings, especially for people who have a family history of cancer or genetic disorders
