What is the difference between neuroblastoma and medulloblastoma?

Neuroblastoma develops when neuroblast cells do not mature properly. Neuroblasts are immature nerve cells that usually mature into nerve cells or cells in the adrenal gland. If they do not, they may instead develop into a tumor that grows aggressively.

Is medulloblastoma a glioblastoma?

Originally classified as a glioma, medulloblastoma is referred to now as a primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET). This tumor accounts for approximately 7-8% of all intracranial tumors and 30% of pediatric brain tumors.

How long do medulloblastoma patients live?

With current means of therapy, children with nondisseminated medulloblastoma have a high likelihood of long-term survival; 80% or more will be alive 5 years after diagnosis and treatment, with many free of the disease.

Can Stage 4 neuroblastoma be cured?

60% of patients with high-risk Neuroblastoma will relapse. Once in relapse, the survival rate drops to less than 5%. There are no known cures for relapsed Neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma has one of the lowest survival rates of all pediatric cancers and accounts for 15% of all pediatric cancer deaths.

Is neuroblastoma always fatal?

The 5-year survival rate for neuroblastoma is 81%. However, a child’s survival rate depends on many factors, particularly the risk grouping of the tumor. For children with low-risk neuroblastoma, the 5-year survival rate is higher than 95%.

Can a child survive a brain tumor?

And on average, the five-year survival rate (meaning the number of children who survive more than five years after the end of treatment) across all types of brain and spinal cord tumors (including both malignant and benign) is very good: 3 out of 4 children diagnosed with a brain tumor will survive longer than five …

Can you feel medulloblastoma?

Signs and symptoms of medulloblastoma may include headaches, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, dizziness, double vision, poor coordination, unsteady walk and other concerns. These symptoms may be related to the tumor itself or be due to the buildup of pressure within the brain.

Do you have a family history of brain tumors?

Family history of brain tumors. A small portion of brain tumors occurs in people with a family history of brain tumors or a family history of genetic syndromes that increase the risk of brain tumors. Niederhuber JE, et al., eds. Cancer of the central nervous system.

What kind of radiation can cause a brain tumor?

People who have been exposed to a type of radiation called ionizing radiation have an increased risk of brain tumor. Examples of ionizing radiation include radiation therapy used to treat cancer and radiation exposure caused by atomic bombs. Family history of brain tumors.

Where are Medulloblastomas usually found in the brain?

Medulloblastomas usually found in the vicinity of the fourth ventricle, between the brainstem and the cerebellum. Tumors with similar appearance and characteristics originate in other parts of the brain, but they are not identical to medulloblastoma.

Which is the best description of a brain tumor?

Brain tumor A brain tumor is a mass or growth of abnormal cells in your brain. Many different types of brain tumors exist. Some brain tumors are noncancerous (benign), and some brain tumors are cancerous (malignant).