Overview

Medulloblastoma is a type of brain tumor. A brain tumor begins when normal cells in the brain change and grow uncontrollably, forming a mass. A tumor can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous, meaning it can spread to other parts of the body). Medulloblastoma is most often cancerous.

The brain and spinal column make up the central nervous system (CNS), where all vital functions are controlled, including thought, speech, and body strength. Medulloblastoma begins in granular cells in the cerebellum (back of the brain). This is the part of the brain that controls body movement and coordination. Medulloblastoma may also be called a primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET).

Medulloblastoma occurs most commonly in children, and this section is about childhood medulloblastoma. Learn more about CNS tumors in children and brain tumors in adults.

Find out more about basic cancer terms used in this section

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