Medulloblastoma is a type of malignant brain tumor that develops in the back of the brain, mainly in the cerebellum. It most frequently affects children, although it can also occur in adults. It is important to know the symptoms, causes and treatment options for this disease, since early diagnosis and adequate management can be essential in the patient's evolution and prognosis.
Symptoms of medulloblastoma
Symptoms of medulloblastoma can vary depending on the location and size of the brain tumor. Some of the most common signs and symptoms include:
Headache
One of the initial symptoms of medulloblastoma is a headache, which can be persistent and worsen over time. This headache is usually more intense in the morning and may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
Balance and coordination problems
Because the cerebellum is the part of the brain responsible for balance and coordination of movements, patients with medulloblastoma may experience difficulty walking, dizziness, and lack of motor coordination.
Changes in vision
Brain tumors that affect the nerve Optical can cause changes in vision, such as double vision, loss of peripheral vision or difficulty focusing properly.
Cognitive problems
Medulloblastoma can also affect the patient's cognitive functions, causing difficulties in concentration, memory and information processing.
Causes of medulloblastoma
Although the exact causes of medulloblastoma are not yet fully understood, some risk factors have been identified. risk and associations that may increase the probability of developing this type of brain tumor:
Genetic factors
It has been observed that some hereditary genetic alterations, such as Gorlin syndrome or the mutation of the PTCH1 gene, may increase the risk of developing medulloblastoma in children and young adults.
Prior radiation therapy
Patients who have received radiation therapy to the head and neck region, especially at a young age, they have a higher risk of developing brain tumors, including medulloblastoma.
Exposure to certain chemicals
Exposure to certain chemicals, such as thallium or lead, has been associated with an increased risk of developing brain tumors, although the exact relationship is still unclear.
Diagnosis and treatment of medulloblastoma
Diagnosis of medulloblastoma usually involves a combination of tests imaging, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT), as well as biopsies to confirm the presence of the brain tumor. Once the diagnosis is made, the treatment of medulloblastoma usually includes a combination of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy:
Surgery
Surgical removal of the brain tumor is one of the pillars of treatment for medulloblastoma. medulloblastoma. The goal of surgery is to remove as much tumor tissue as possible without damaging surrounding brain structures.
Radiotherapy
Radiation therapy is another key component of medulloblastoma treatment, as it helps destroy any remaining cancer cells after surgery. However, its use in young children may be associated with long-term side effects on brain development.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is used in combination with surgery and radiation therapy to treat medulloblastoma, especially in cases where the tumor has spread to other areas of the brain or spinal cord.
In conclusion, medulloblastoma is an aggressive brain tumor that primarily affects children and young adults. . It is essential to watch for early symptoms, such as persistent headaches, balance problems and vision changes, and seek specialized medical attention if they occur. Additionally, continued research into the underlying causes of this type of brain cancer and advances in treatment options may improve the prognosis and quality of life of medulloblastoma patients in the future.