 Posterior fossa tumor
Definition Alternative Names Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms Signs and tests Treatment Support Groups Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider References DefinitionPosterior fossa tumor is a type of brain tumor located in or near the bottom of the skull. Alternative NamesInfratentorial brain tumors; Brainstem glioma Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThe posterior fossa is a small space in the skull, found near the brain stem and cerebellum. The cerebellum is the part of the brain responsible for movement, balance, and coordination. If a tumor grows in the area of the posterior fossa, it can block the flow of spinal fluid and cause increased pressure on the brain and spinal cord. Most tumors of the posterior fossa are primary brain cancers, which start in the brain, rather than spreading from elsewhere in the body. There are no known cause or risk factors associated with a posterior fossa tumor. SymptomsSymptoms occur very early with posterior fossa tumors and may include: Symptoms from posterior fossa tumors also occur when the tumor damages local structures, such as cranial nerves. Symptoms of cranial nerve damage include: - Dilated pupils
- Eye deviations
- Facial muscle weakness
- Hearing loss
- Loss of sensation of part of the face
- Taste disturbances
- Unsteadiness when walking
- Visual field deficits
Signs and testsDiagnosis is based on thorough history and physical examination, followed by imaging tests. The best way to look at the posterior fossa is with an MRI scan. CT scans are usually not helpful. The following procedures may be used to remove a piece of tissue from the tumor to help with diagnosis: - Open brain surgery, called a posterior craniotomy
- Stereotactic biopsy
TreatmentMost tumors of the posterior fossa are surgically removed, even if they are noncancerous. There is limited space in the brain area, and the tumor can press on delicate structures if it grows. Occasionally, depending on the type of tumor and the size of it, postoperative radiation treatment is also used. Support GroupsThe stress of illness may be eased by joining a support group whose members share common experiences and problems. Expectations (prognosis)Prognosis depends on early detection. Complete obstruction to the flow of spinal fluid causes herniation and death. If tumors are recognized before this point, surgery is associated with good, long-term survival. ComplicationsCalling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you notice consistent headaches that are accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or visual changes. ReferencesMaity A, Pruitt AA, Judy KD, Phillips PC, Lustig R. Cancer of the central nervous system. In: Abeloff MD, Armitage JO, Niederhuber JE, Kastan MB, McKenna WG, eds. Abeloff’s Clinical Oncology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2008:chap 70. Wilne S, Collier J, Kennedy C, Koller K, Grundy R, Walker D. Presentation of childhood CNS tumours: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Oncol. 2007;8(8):685-695.
Review Date: 3/2/2010
Reviewed By: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc., and Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital.
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