Large cell medulloblastoma

MEDULLOBLASTOMA RADIOLOGY

A medulloblastoma composed of large cells with prominent nucleoli and a larger amount of cytoplasm in contrast with the cells of the classic medulloblastoma.

CT brain scan of child with medulloblastoma and resulting hydrocephalus

Histology

Medulloblastomas can be of the following types:

• Classic medulloblastoma
• Desmoplastic/nodular medulloblastoma,
• Medulloblastoma with extensive nodularity, and
• Large-cell/anaplastic medulloblastoma.

Features

• The “Large cell” medulloblastomas have focal or diffuse, large, round neoplastic cells with prominent nucleoli.
• “Anaplastic” MBs (A MBs) have nuclei that were also large but markedly atypical with coarse chromatin and irregular shapes.

Prognostic significance

• According to a study, patients with large cell medulloblastoma had higher relapse rates and worse survival than those with classic medulloblastoma or anaplastic medulloblastoma.
• Patients with either large cell or anaplastic medulloblastoma have the worst prognosis.

Treatment implications

Given the worse prognosis, which carries a high risk for recurrence, large cell medulloblastoma patients should be treated with the more aggressive treatment strategies.

Also see

• Medulloblastoma

External links

• Rare Diseases Meduloblastoma

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