Clinical Observation of Medulloblastoma

ABSTRACT

The authors represented a clinical analysis on 31 patients with medulloblatoma who had been treated surgically at the Department of Neurosurgery, Yonsei Medical Center and Wonju Christian Hospital from Sept. 1967 to Aug. 1981. The results were summarized as follows ; 1) Among 31 patients, 19 were male and 12 were female. About 73% of cases were found under the age of 16 and male was predominant in this age group. 2) The most common clinical symptom was that of increased intracranial pressure(84%). Gait disturbance, generalized seizure and mental change were also found and duration of symptom of symptom was average 2.2 month. Neurological signs showed papilledema, cerebellar signs and lower cranial palsies. 3) Plain skull X-rays, carotid and vertebral angiography and conray ventriculography were useful diagnostic methods but brain CT scan was thought to be the most accurate, noninvasive and helpful method which showed size and location of tumor and relationship with surrounding structures. In brain CT scan hydrocephalus and compression 4th ventricle were found in 94%, and 88% revealed contrast enhancement. 4) Considering 1 year survival rate which was possible follow up in this study, microsugical total excision of tumor followed by radiation therapy disclosed the best result for reducing recurrence and seeding of tumor among the current therapeutic methods.