Learn About Posterior Fossa Tumor
Posterior fossa tumor is a type of brain tumor located in or near the bottom of the skull.
Infratentorial brain tumors; Brainstem glioma; Cerebellar tumor
The posterior fossa is a small space in the skull, found near the brainstem and cerebellum. The cerebellum is the part of the brain responsible for balance and coordinated movements. The brainstem is responsible for controlling vital body functions, such as breathing.
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. They start in the brain, rather than spreading from somewhere else in the body.
Posterior fossa tumors have no known causes or risk factors.
Symptoms occur very early with posterior fossa tumors and may include:
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Imbalance
- Nausea
- Uncoordinated walk (ataxia)
- Vomiting
Symptoms from posterior fossa tumors also occur when the tumor damages local structures, such as the cranial nerves. Symptoms of cranial nerve damage include:
- Dilated pupils
- Eye problems
- Face muscle weakness
- Hearing loss
- Loss of feeling in part of the face
- Taste problems
- Unsteadiness when walking
- Vision problems
Most tumors of the posterior fossa are removed with surgery, even if they are not cancerous. There is limited space in the posterior fossa, and the tumor can easily press on delicate structures if it grows.
Depending on the type and size of the tumor, radiation treatment may also be used after surgery.
Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuropathology
Andrey Korshunov is in Heidelberg, Germany. Korshunov is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Posterior Fossa Tumor. He is also highly rated in 26 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Medulloblastoma, Embryonal Tumor with Multilayered Rosettes, Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor PNET, and Posterior Fossa Tumor.
Hematology
Oncology
Burnet Campus
Maryam Fouladi is a Pediatric Hematologist Oncology specialist and a Hematologist in Cincinnati, Ohio. Dr. Fouladi has been practicing medicine for over 31 years and is rated as an Elite doctor by MediFind in the treatment of Posterior Fossa Tumor. She is also highly rated in 21 other conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Diffuse Midline Glioma H3 K27M-Mutant, Brain Stem Cancer, Posterior Fossa Tumor, and Glioma. She is licensed to treat patients in Ohio. Dr. Fouladi is currently accepting new patients.
Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori
Maura Massimino is in Milan, Italy. Massimino is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Posterior Fossa Tumor. She is also highly rated in 23 other conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Posterior Fossa Tumor, Medulloblastoma, Ependymoma, and Metastatic Brain Tumor.
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A good outlook depends on finding the cancer early. A total blockage in the flow of spinal fluid can be life threatening. If tumors are found early, surgery can lead to long-term survival.
Complications may include:
- Cranial nerve palsies
- Herniation
- Hydrocephalus
- Increased intracranial pressure
Call your health care provider if you have regular headaches that occur with nausea, vomiting, or vision changes.
Published Date : February 06, 2020
Published By : Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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Dorsey JF, Salinas RD, Dang M, et al. Cancer of the central nervous system. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Kastan MB, Doroshow JH, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 63.
Zaky W, Ater JL, Khatua S. Brain tumors in childhood. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 524.
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