Understand this diagnosis through data, infographics, and evidence based on modern classification and current research.
Headache (often morning), nausea, vomiting from increased intracranial pressure due to hydrocephalus.
Ataxia, unsteady gait, poor coordination, tremor, dysmetria.
Cranial nerve palsies, double vision, facial weakness, swallowing difficulty.
Back pain, leg weakness, sensory changes, bladder dysfunction from drop metastases.
Personality changes, academic decline, irritability, especially in young children.
Increasing head circumference (infants), papilledema, altered consciousness.
Brain MRI reveals posterior fossa mass; spine MRI for staging (drop metastases)
Shows hyperdense mass with calcification; useful in emergency setting
Lumbar puncture for staging; positive cytology indicates leptomeningeal spread
Maximal safe resection via posterior fossa approach for tissue diagnosis
WHO grading, histologic subtype (classic, desmoplastic, LCA, MBEN)
DNA methylation array, IHC for beta-catenin, FISH for MYC/MYCN amplification
Maximal safe resection via posterior fossa craniotomy. Gross total resection improves outcomes. Careful attention to cerebellar mutism risk.
Standard for children >3 years. Reduced-dose CSI for average-risk WNT/non-metastatic. Boost to tumor bed and metastatic sites.
Cisplatin/vincristine/cyclophosphamide-based regimens. Adjuvant after radiation. High-dose chemo with stem cell rescue for infants.
SMO inhibitors (vismodegib, sonidegib) for SHH subgroup. CDK4/6 inhibitors under investigation for Group 3/4.
Chemotherapy-only approaches to avoid/delay radiation in children <3 years. Intensive regimens with autologous transplant.
Molecular subgroup-directed trials. De-escalation for WNT, intensification for high-risk Group 3.
Find matching trials →Primary specialist for surgical resection and skull base approaches
Plans and delivers radiation therapy and stereotactic radiosurgery
For higher-grade or refractory medulloblastomas requiring systemic therapy
Specialized imaging interpretation and monitoring
Tissue analysis, WHO grading, and molecular profiling
Guides you through appointments, insurance, and logistics
Collaborative Ependymoma Research Network supporting research for all embryonal tumors including medulloblastoma.
Visit CERN Foundation →Resources, support, and research funding for families affected by childhood brain tumors.
Visit Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation →Leading nonprofit investing in research, advocacy, and patient services for all brain tumors.
Visit National Brain Tumor Society →Funding childhood cancer research including medulloblastoma clinical trials and biology studies.
Visit St. Baldrick's Foundation →