Options for Medulloblastoma Treatment
The doctor is the best person to describe the
medulloblastoma treatment choices and discuss the expected results. The doctor and patient should work together to develop a medulloblastoma treatment plan that fits the patient's needs.
Depending on the type and extent of medulloblastoma, patients may have:
Cerebrospinal fluid diversion is a method that is used to drain fluid that has built up around the brain and spinal cord. A shunt (long, thin tube) is placed in a ventricle (hollow space) of the brain and threaded under the skin to another part of the body, usually the abdomen. The shunt carries excess fluid away from the brain so that it may be absorbed elsewhere in the body.
In addition, at any stage, patients may receive medulloblastoma treatment:
- To control pain and other symptoms of the cancer
- To relieve the side effects of therapy
- To ease emotional problems.
This kind of treatment is called symptom management, supportive care, or palliative care.
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