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Medulloblastoma

Also called: CNS embryonal tumor, Embryonal brain tumor, PNET

The most common malignant brain tumor in children. It starts in the back of the brain and is often curable.

Typical ageChildren 3 to 8
OutlookAbout 7 in 10 children are cured

Overview

Medulloblastoma grows in the cerebellum and can block the flow of fluid around the brain, raising pressure inside the head. It can spread through the spinal fluid.

Treatment combines surgery, radiation to the brain and spine (in older children), and chemotherapy. Many children survive and get help with long-term effects on learning, growth, and hearing.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Morning headaches with vomiting
  • Clumsiness or trouble walking
  • Unusual tiredness

Less common

  • Double vision or crossed eyes
  • Head tilt
  • Head growing too fast in a baby

Look up a symptom: Double vision or droopy eyelids that get worse when tired · Eyes that cross, wander, or don't line up · Headache when waking up · Headaches that keep getting worse over weeks, or with a new seizure or personality change · Trouble with balance or walking · Vomiting

When to get medical care

Call 911Trouble breathing, heavy bleeding, a seizure, sudden confusion, or fainting: call 911.
Get care todayFever during cancer treatment, or new or quickly worsening symptoms.
See a doctor soonSymptoms lasting more than 2 to 3 weeks.

Causes

Changes in a cell's genes that make it grow out of control. Most happen by chance; some are linked to the risk factors below or to inherited genes.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • Cancer isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Some inherited syndromes, like Gorlin or Turcot syndrome

Diagnosis

Tests look for the cause. Many people checked for these symptoms turn out not to have cancer.

Questions you may be asked

  • When symptoms started and whether they're getting worse
  • Family history of cancer
  • Past illnesses, treatments, and exposures

The exam

A physical exam, focused on where the symptoms are.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • MRI of the brain and spine:
  • Surgery: Confirms the tumor and its molecular group.
  • Lumbar puncture:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type, stage, and your child's overall health. A cancer care team makes a plan with you.

Self-care

  • Write down symptoms and when they started
  • Bring someone with you to appointments
  • Ask for copies of test results
  • Ask about clinical trials: they can offer new treatments

Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Prevention

To lower risk or find it early:

  • No known way to prevent it

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your child's pediatrician.
  • They'll send you to a pediatric oncologist (children's cancer doctor) at a children's cancer center.

Living with it

  • Keep a simple notebook of symptoms, medicines, and questions for visits.
  • Ask for a survivorship care plan when treatment ends.
  • Gentle activity, like walking, can ease tiredness.
  • A cancer diagnosis can affect mood. Tell the care team if you or your family feel down or anxious.

Support groups and helplines

Back to school, work, or sports

  • Most children can return to school during or after treatment.
  • Ask the care team about a school liaison and a 504 plan or IEP for extra help.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

  • Children: Children with cancer do best at a children's cancer center, where care teams also help with school, growth, and long-term health.

For caregivers

  • Go to visits when you can and take notes.
  • Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
  • Learn the warning signs that need fast care, like fever during treatment.
  • Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Outlook depends on the type and stage. Cancers found early are usually easier to treat, and treatments keep improving.

Support is available: ask about social workers, nutrition help, and support groups.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

  • A list of medicines and supplements
  • Notes on when symptoms started
  • Past test results and scans

Questions to ask

  • Which molecular group is the tumor?
  • What support will my child need for school and growth?
  • What stage is it, and what are the treatment options?
  • Are there clinical trials for my child?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Medulloblastoma

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.