About Medulloblastoma

Brain tumours are the most common solid tumours that occur in children. Children of any age may be affected. Each year, about 350 children in the UK develop brain tumours. Boys are affected more often than girls.
20% of all childhood brain tumours are Medulloblastomas. This type of brain tumour affects children of all ages but the average age is nine.
Childhood medulloblastoma usually forms in the cerebellum, which is at the lower back of the brain. The cerebellum is the part of the brain that controls movement, balance, and posture. Childhood medulloblastoma may also be called primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET).
The cause of medulloblastoma is unknown (although 5% can be genetic).
A diagnosis of medulloblastoma can be devastating for both child and family. Many weeks and months of tests and treatment will follow.
The child and family will be introduced to many different medical professionals including neurosurgeon, oncologists, radiologists, community and outreach nurses, registrars.
Some treatment will involve a hospital stay at a specialist cancer hospital and some will involve treatment at a shared care hospital (local hospital). Some treatment can also be give at home by community nurses.
As medulloblastoma is so rare, many children will be able to participate in clinical trials.
60% of children with medulloblastoma will live more than five years after diagnosis.

SDBTT is currently supporting two medulloblastoma research projects:

Scientists supported by SDBTT have uncovered a protein that signals a more favourable outcome for children with medulloblastoma. More>

The following source has been to referred to: CancerHelpUK