Medulloblastoma

A fast growing tumor at the back of the brain. It is most common in children.

What a medulloblastoma is

A medulloblastoma starts at the back of the brain, in the part called the cerebellum. That part helps with balance and movement.

It grows fast. It is the most common fast growing brain tumor in children, though adults get it too.

Why it is checked in the spine as well

This tumor can travel in the fluid that runs around the brain and spinal cord. So the first tests usually look at the spine too, not because something is wrong there, but to know before treatment starts.

Doctors sort medulloblastoma into groups by the gene changes inside it. The group changes what treatment is chosen, so you may hear a group name.

What to ask your team

• Which group is my tumor in?
• Has the spine been checked?
• Who on the team handles the long-term follow-up?