Medulloblastoma

Question 1

What is medulloblastoma?

Answer 1

A primitive neuro-ectodermal tumor (PNET) located in the infratentorial region.

Question 2

What are the characteristic cells found in medulloblastoma?

Answer 2

Small, round blue cells forming pseudorosettes.

Question 3

What percentage of childhood brain tumors does medulloblastoma account for?

Answer 3

20%.

Question 4

At what age does medulloblastoma typically peak?

Answer 4

Around 5 years old.

Question 5

Which gender is slightly more affected by medulloblastoma?

Answer 5

Males.

Question 6

What are common symptoms of medulloblastoma?

Answer 6

• Ataxia
• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Hydrocephalus.

Question 7

What is the typical method of diagnosis for medulloblastoma?

Answer 7

CT and MRI showing a round, central cerebellar enhancing mass.

Question 8

What is the primary site for the development of hydrocephalus in medulloblastoma?

Answer 8

Invasion of the 4th ventricle.

Question 9

True or False: Medulloblastoma can develop distant metastasis to bone.

Answer 9

True.

Question 10

What is the significance of disease extent in medulloblastoma prognosis?

Answer 10

It is the most important prognostic factor.

Question 11

What is the standard treatment for medulloblastoma?

Answer 11

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation Therapy.

Question 12

What is the purpose of placing a shunt in medulloblastoma patients?

Answer 12

To relieve pressure on the ventricles.

Question 13

What type of chemotherapy is medulloblastoma sensitive to?

Answer 13

Cyclophosphamide and platinum compounds.

Question 14

What is Cranial Spinal Irradiation (CSI) used for in medulloblastoma treatment?

Answer 14

To treat brain and CSF spaces.

Question 15

What is the typical dose for CSI in average-risk patients?

Answer 15

2340 cGy.

Question 16

What is the posterior fossa boost in radiation therapy?

Answer 16

A boost to the posterior fossa after CSI to target the primary site of recurrence.

Question 17

What side effects are commonly associated with medulloblastoma treatment?

Answer 17

• Nausea/vomiting
• Erythema
• Alopecia
• Endocrine deficits.

Question 18

Fill in the blank: Medulloblastoma is classified as a _______.

Answer 18

[primitive neuro-ectodermal tumor].

Question 19

What are the common late side effects of medulloblastoma treatment?

Answer 19

• Endocrine deficits
• Late optic neuropathy
• Decreased hearing.

Question 20

What is the typical age range for medulloblastoma diagnosis?

Answer 20

2-12 years old.

Question 21

What imaging technique is used to confirm the presence of tumor cells in CSF?

Answer 21

CSF cytology.

Question 22

What is a common complication of maximal resection surgery in medulloblastoma?

Answer 22

Posterior fossa syndrome.

Question 23

True or False: Medulloblastoma is primarily treated with radiation therapy alone.

Answer 23

False.

Question 24

What is the role of chemotherapy in relation to radiation therapy for medulloblastoma?

Answer 24

Can be used as a radiosensitizer.

Question 25

What technique is used to ensure accurate treatment positioning for radiation therapy?

Answer 25

Indexed head & neck board and thermoplastic mask.

Question 26

What is the typical total dose for a posterior fossa boost?

Answer 26

5400-5580 cGy.