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Medulloblastoma is a brain tumor located in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls balance, coordination, and other complex motor functions. Medulloblastoma accounts for 15 to 20 percent of all pediatric brain tumors. Medulloblastomas occur most commonly in children between ages of 3 and 8 but can be seen in children and adults of any age.
Doctors historically have classified medulloblastoma as either standard or high risk based on biopsy results. In recent years, however, studies by researchers at Dana-Farber/Boston Children's and other institutions have shown that what we call medulloblastoma could actually be several different diseases. In fact, medulloblastoma can be divided into four molecular subtypes based on specific types of gene mutations within the tumor. Each subtype has a distinct survival rate, ranging from 20 to 90 percent.
Children with medulloblastoma are treated at Dana-Farber/Boston Children's through our Medulloblastoma Program. Our pediatric brain tumor specialists provide a unique degree of specialization across many disciplines, which translates into advanced treatment options for children with medulloblastoma.
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Find more in-depth information on medulloblastoma on the Dana-Farber/Boston Children's website, including medulloblastoma causes, diagnosis, treatment and latest research.
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