Medulloblastoma

Medulloblastoma is a cancerous tumor of your central nervous system (CNS). It forms in the posterior fossa region of your brain, in an area called the cerebellum.

Who does medulloblastoma affect?

Primarily a childhood disease, medulloblastoma mostly affects children and teens under the age of 16. Though rarer in older individuals, it can occur in adults as well. Medulloblastoma in adults is usually diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 44.

How common is medulloblastoma?

This type of cancer is rare, affecting between 350 and 500 children and adults in the U.S. each year. It is, however, the most common type of brain cancer (brain tumor) affecting children. Most cases are diagnosed between the ages of five and nine.

How does medulloblastoma spread?

Medulloblastoma is usually fast growing. It spreads to other parts of your brain and spinal cord through cerebrospinal fluid (a clear fluid that protects your brain and spinal cord from injury).

What’s the difference between medulloblastoma and astrocytoma?

Astrocytoma and medulloblastoma are both tumors found in your central nervous system. However, they originate in different areas. While medulloblastoma begins in your cerebellum, astrocytoma begins in star-shaped glial cells called astrocytes, usually on the outer curve of your brain. Astrocytoma is a type of glioma.