About Medulloblastoma
Key Highlights
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Aims for maximal safe resection to remove the cancerous tissue.Often the definitive first step in a comprehensive treatment plan.Utilizes advanced technology like neuronavigation and intraoperative MRI for precision.Can relieve pressure on the brain and alleviate symptoms like headaches and nausea.Provides tissue samples for precise pathological diagnosis and genetic testing.Critical for improving survival rates and long-term outcomes./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Confirmed or highly suspected diagnosis of medulloblastoma via imaging (MRI).
- Presence of symptoms like persistent morning headaches, nausea, vomiting, balance problems, or coordination difficulties.
- To obtain a tissue biopsy for definitive diagnosis and molecular subtyping.
- To reduce tumor mass (debulking) before starting radiation and/or chemotherapy.
- To relieve increased intracranial pressure caused by the tumor and associated hydrocephalus.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive neurological examination and advanced imaging (MRI, sometimes CT).
- Pre-operative tests including blood work, ECG, and chest X-ray to assess fitness for surgery.
- Consultation with a multidisciplinary team including neurosurgeons, oncologists, and neurologists.
- Discussion of surgical plan, risks, benefits, and expected outcomes with the patient/family.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before the procedure as instructed.
- Possible administration of steroids to reduce brain swelling before surgery.
Risks & possible complications
- Standard surgical risks: infection, bleeding, blood clots, or reactions to anesthesia.
- Neurological deficits such as ataxia (loss of coordination), weakness, or sensory changes.
- Potential for injury to cranial nerves, affecting vision, hearing, or facial movement.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak or development of post-operative hydrocephalus requiring a shunt.
- Posterior fossa syndrome, a temporary condition causing mutism, emotional lability, and motor deficits.
- Risk of incomplete tumor resection or damage to critical brainstem structures.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial recovery in an intensive care unit (ICU) for close neurological monitoring.
- Management of pain, swelling, and prevention of complications like infection.
- Early mobilization with assistance from physical and occupational therapists.
- Monitoring for and management of potential issues like hydrocephalus or CSF leak.
- Gradual reintegration into daily activities, with extensive rehabilitation often required.
- Follow-up imaging (MRI) to assess the extent of resection and plan adjuvant therapy (radiation/chemotherapy).
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Typical hospital stay: 7-14 days
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Expected recovery time: 6-12 weeks for initial recovery; full rehabilitation may take several months
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering medulloblastoma in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for medulloblastoma in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, Cytecare Hospital, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform medulloblastoma. MediFyr helps you compare neurosurgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for medulloblastoma compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 450 Thousand – 1.2 Million | 7-14 days | ~ 6-12 weeks for initial recovery; full rehabilitation may take several months | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 1.58 Million – 4.2 Million | 7-14 days | ~ 6-12 weeks for initial recovery; full rehabilitation may take several months | Know More |
Top hospitals for Medulloblastoma in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated neurosurgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing medulloblastoma.
Emily Miller, a 28-year-old elementary school...
Emily Miller, a 28-year-old elementary school teacher, had been experiencing worsening morning headaches and nausea for months, which she initially attributed to stress. When she began stumbling in her classroom and her students noticed her eyes drifting, her partner insisted she see a doctor. An MRI revealed a medulloblastoma, a brain tumor in her cerebellum. Her neurosurgeon, Dr. Chen, explained that while this tumor is more common in children, it can occur in adults and requires urgent surgical resection. Emily underwent a posterior fossa craniotomy, a grueling 10-hour surgery to remove the tumor. The recovery in the Neuro-ICU was difficult, with challenges in balance and coordination. After weeks of inpatient rehabilitation, Emily regained her mobility and returned to teaching part-time, supported by follow-up radiation. Her emotional journey was one of profound shock and fear, mourning the loss of her previous healthy self. Post-recovery, she channels her experience into advocacy, finding deep empathy for her young students facing challenges.
Neurosurgeons for Medulloblastoma
Explore experienced neurosurgeons who regularly perform medulloblastoma and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 18 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 22 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 29 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 17 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 15 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 14 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada