Medulloblastoma
Disease Information
Tests
The first step in treating your child is forming an accurate and complete diagnosis.
How is medulloblastoma diagnosed?
Your child’s physician may order a number of different tests to determine the type and location of the tumor. In addition to a physical exam, a medical history and neurological exam, diagnostic procedures for medulloblastoma may include:
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a diagnostic procedure that produce detailed images of structures within the brain and spine. An MRI scan of the brain after surgery will determine how much of the tumor was removed surgically.
surgical resection - after surgical removal of the tumor a tissue sample will be taken and analyzed to confirm the diagnosis. While an MRI may indicate a possible medulloblastoma, only a tissue sample can confirm the diagnosis.
Your child’s physician will need to perform a lumbar puncture, or spinal tap, if your child has medulloblastoma. However, this will be performed at a time after the initial surgery is completed. In addition, there may be other diagnostic tests that your doctor will discuss with you.
After we complete all necessary tests, our experts meet to review and discuss what they have learned about your child's condition. Then we will meet with you and your family to discuss the results and outline the best treatment options.
