The clinical characteristics of medulloblastomas in children

Abstract

Objective - This research was undertaken to analyse the clinical characteristics, treatment methods, complications and outcome in paediatric patients with medulloblastomas.

Patients and method - The study comprised a retrospective analysis of 13 consecutive patients younger than 15 years, who were hospitalized for surgical treatment of medulloblastomas. The clinical characteristics, radiology findings on the initial and control CT or NMR images, the localization and size of the tumour, the type of resection, the method of treatment of hydrocephalus, complications and outcome of treatment were analysed.

Results - There were 13 (26%) children with medulloblastomas in the total number analysed of tumours of the posterior fossa. The average age of the patients was 103±45 months. The average size of the medulloblastoma was 39 mm. The most common symptoms and signs were related to increased intracranial hypertension.

Conclusion - The best form of treatment of medulloblastomas is maximum surgical resection with the appropriate use of radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy depending on the age of the child.