Medulloblastoma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Medulloblastoma?
A pediatric oncologist (a children's cancer doctor) or a neuro-oncologist (a doctor who treats brain tumors) usually leads care for medulloblastoma. A neurosurgeon (a brain surgeon) and a radiation oncologist (a doctor who treats cancer with radiation) are also part of the team. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is medulloblastoma?
Medulloblastoma is a tumor that begins in the brain or spinal cord. It most often forms in the cerebellum, the lower back part of the brain. The cerebellum helps with balance and with moving the body, such as walking. Medulloblastoma is cancer, and it grows fast. It is the most common cancerous brain tumor in children.
Doctors also place each tumor in a standard-risk or high-risk group. This helps them plan treatment.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on where the tumor is. Symptoms usually start when the tumor blocks the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF is the fluid around the brain and spinal cord. The block raises pressure inside the skull. Signs can include:
- Headaches, especially at night or early in the morning
- Nausea or vomiting
- Trouble with balance or walking
- Blurred or double vision
- Extreme sleepiness
- Confusion
- Seizures and even passing out
In younger children and infants, signs may be more subtle. These include changes in energy level, trouble eating, an enlarged head, or a loss of motor skills like walking or crawling. If the tumor has spread to the spine, symptoms may include weakness or numbness in the arms or legs.
Causes and who gets it
The cause of most medulloblastomas is not known. A small percent are related to gene changes that can be passed down through families. Certain family cancer syndromes raise the risk, including Gorlin syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, and Fanconi anemia. But most people with medulloblastoma do not have a family cancer syndrome. Researchers have not found any outside factors that raise the risk. About 70 percent of cases occur in children and 30 percent in adults. It is most common in children aged 1 to 9. It occurs more often in males than in females.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors can often tell that a person most likely has medulloblastoma from imaging tests. An MRI scan is the preferred test for looking at most brain tumors. Because the tumor can spread in the CSF, doctors scan both the brain and the spinal cord. A biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis. In a biopsy, a sample of the tumor is looked at under a microscope. In some cases, doctors also do a lumbar puncture to look for tumor cells in the CSF.
Treatment
Most people with medulloblastoma are treated with a mix of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Chemotherapy means using drugs to treat cancer. Surgery is the first treatment, if possible. The goal is to learn the tumor type and remove as much tumor as possible without causing new symptoms. Sometimes a shunt is placed to let the CSF flow properly after the tumor is removed.
After surgery, people aged 3 or older usually get radiation to the brain and spinal cord. This tries to kill any cancer cells left behind. Proton beam radiation is often recommended. Doctors avoid radiation in children under 3 whenever possible because of its effects on the young brain.
Chemotherapy side effects can include nausea, vomiting, low appetite, hair loss, hearing loss, kidney problems, and nerve pain. Experts say adults should seek a neuro-oncologist with experience in adult medulloblastoma. After treatment, regular follow-up visits and imaging tests check that the tumor has not come back.
When to see a doctor
Talk to a doctor if you or your child has headaches that are worse at night or early in the morning. Also get checked for vomiting or trouble with balance or walking. In younger children and infants, an enlarged head, trouble eating, or a loss of motor skills like walking or crawling should also be checked. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if someone has a seizure, faints, or has a sudden change in mental status, such as confusion or being very hard to wake.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Such a doctor can take your history, do a first exam, and help arrange scans and referrals to a brain tumor team. They can also help keep follow-up care organized during and after treatment.
Common questions
Is medulloblastoma cancer?
Yes, medulloblastoma is cancer.
Can adults get medulloblastoma?
Yes, but it is less common in adults.
Do diet or lifestyle cause medulloblastoma?
No outside cause has been found. Lifestyle risk factors like body weight, diet, and tobacco do not play a major role in childhood cancers.
What is the goal of surgery for medulloblastoma?
The goal of surgery is to get tissue to learn the tumor type and to remove as much tumor as possible without causing more symptoms.
Sources
- National Cancer Institute - Medulloblastoma: Diagnosis and Treatment
- National Organization for Rare Disorders - Medulloblastoma
- American Cancer Society - Medulloblastoma
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
