Cerebellar tumours: behaviour and clinicopathologic study

ABSTRACT

Eighty cases of cerebellar and fourth ventricular neoplasms were presented [40 medullo-blastomas, 20 astrocytomas, 9 blood vessel tumours, 5 ependymomas, 2 glioblastomas and 4 metastatic tumours]. The tumours were histologically divided into groups with different biologic characteristics. This classification was based on specific morphologic differences which could be demonstrated by relatively simple staining methods without elaborate impregnation. The majority of primary neoplasms in these locations are biologically benign. Complete cure can be obtained in most histologically benign cases provided the tumour is not adherent to vital structures. The use of radiation treatment was recommended in medulloblastoma, ependymoma and solid astrocytomas