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Posterior fossa tumor is a type of brain tumor located in or near the bottom of the skull.
Alternative NamesInfratentorial brain tumors; Brainstem glioma
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThe posterior fossa is a small space in the skull, found near the brain stem and cerebellum. The cerebellum is the part of the brain responsible for movement, balance, and coordination.
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, which start in the brain, rather than spreading from elsewhere in the body.
There are no known cause or risk factors associated with a posterior fossa tumor.
SymptomsSymptoms occur very early with posterior fossa tumors and may include:
- Ataxia(uncoordinated gait)
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Imbalance
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Symptoms from posterior fossa tumors also occur when the tumor damages local structures, such as cranial nerves. Symptoms of cranial nerve damage include:
- Dilated pupils
- Eye deviations
- Facial muscle weakness
- Hearing loss
- Loss of sensation of part of the face
- Taste disturbances
- Unsteadiness when walking
- Visual field deficits
Diagnosis is based on thorough history and physical examination, followed by imaging tests. The best way to look at the posterior fossa is with an MRI scan. CT scans are usually not helpful.
The following procedures may be used to remove a piece of tissue from the tumor to help with diagnosis:
- Open brain surgery, called a posterior craniotomy
- Stereotactic biopsy
Most tumors of the posterior fossa are surgically removed, even if they are noncancerous. There is limited space in the brain area, and the tumor can press on delicate structures if it grows.
Occasionally, depending on the type of tumor and the size of it, postoperative radiation treatment is also used.
Support GroupsThe stress of illness may be eased by joining a support group whose members share common experiences and problems.
Expectations (prognosis)Prognosis depends on early detection. Complete obstruction to the flow of spinal fluid causes herniation and death. If tumors are recognized before this point, surgery is associated with good, long-term survival.
Complications- Cranial nerve palsies
- Herniation
- Hydrocephalus
- Increased intracranial pressure
Call your health care provider if you notice consistent headaches that are accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or visual changes.
ReferencesMaity A, Pruitt AA, Judy KD, Phillips PC, Lustig R. Cancer of the central nervous system. In: Abeloff MD, Armitage JO, Niederhuber JE, Kastan MB, McKenna WG, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2008:chap 70.
Wilne S, Collier J, Kennedy C, Koller K, Grundy R, Walker D. Presentation of childhood CNS tumours: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Oncol. 2007;8(8):685-695.
What else can I help you with?
What is tumor of the posterior fossa?
A tumor of the posterior fossa is a mass that develops in the back part of the brain near the base of the skull. These tumors can affect structures such as the cerebellum, brainstem, and cranial nerves, leading to symptoms like headaches, balance problems, and changes in vision or hearing. Treatment typically involves surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy.
What is a hypodense lesion within the lateral left posterior fossa in brain?
A hypodense lesion within the lateral left posterior fossa in the brain indicates an area that appears darker on imaging studies like CT scans, suggesting lower density compared to surrounding tissue. This finding may be due to various underlying causes such as a tumor, cyst, abscess, or hemorrhage, and further evaluation is often needed to determine the exact nature and significance of the lesion.
What sort of lesion will cause loss of position sense?
Posterior column of the spinal cord lesions like infection, tumor, trauma or idiopathic.
Posterior tongue carcinoma?
DefinitionA posterior tongue carcinoma is a cancerous growth (tumor) located on the back (posterior) part of the tongue.See: Oral cancerAlternative NamesTongue cancer - posteriorReferencesPosner M. Head and neck cancer. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 200.
What is abnormal thickened soft tissues in the posterior nasopharynx?
Abnormal thickening of soft tissues in the posterior nasopharynx may indicate conditions such as lymphoid hyperplasia, adenoid hypertrophy, or a nasopharyngeal tumor. Further evaluation by an otolaryngologist may be necessary to determine the exact cause and appropriate treatment.
Was previously diagnosed as having a posterior pituitary tumor that cause hypersecretion of ADH He comes to the clinic regularly to have his blood pressure checked Would you expect his blood pressure?
high
What is a rounded isoechoic mass in the uterus posteriorly?
A heterogeneous mass posterior to the uterus generally indicates a fibroid tumor. A fibroid is a benign tumor that is non cancerous.
What is the difference from a hard tumor or a soft tumor?
A hard tumor is not a tumor
Is Wilms' tumor malignant?
Wilms' tumor is a type of malignant tumor
Can a tumor look cancerous or not?
where is the tumor
Can a tumor have a heartbeat?
A tumor does not have a heart.
What is a parotic tumor?
A parotic tumor is a tumor on your largest salavary gland in front of your ear.
