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.

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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

Large cell medulloblastoma Resources
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