To which areas do medulloblastomas typically metastasize?

To which areas do medulloblastomas typically metastasize?

• A. Skin and muscles
• B. Bone and craniospinal fluid
• C. Liver and kidneys
• D. Heart and lungs

Answer: (B)

Medulloblastomas, being a type of primitive neuroectodermal tumor, primarily originate in the cerebellum and have a propensity to spread via the cerebrospinal fluid. The most common sites of metastasis for these tumors are the craniospinal axis, which includes both the spine and the surrounding cerebrospinal fluid spaces. As a result, when medulloblastomas metastasize, they often disseminate to the bone through the craniospinal fluid and can also affect other areas along the craniospinal axis. This characteristic behavior is significant in diagnosing and managing the disease, as the presence of tumor cells in the cerebrospinal fluid and bones can indicate a more advanced stage of the disease that requires aggressive treatment strategies.

Medulloblastomas, being a type of primitive neuroectodermal tumor, primarily originate in the cerebellum and have a propensity to spread via the cerebrospinal fluid. The most common sites of metastasis for these tumors are the craniospinal axis, which includes both the spine and the surrounding cerebrospinal fluid spaces. As a result, when medulloblastomas metastasize, they often disseminate to the bone through the craniospinal fluid and can also affect other areas along the craniospinal axis. This characteristic behavior is significant in diagnosing and managing the disease, as the presence of tumor cells in the cerebrospinal fluid and bones can indicate a more advanced stage of the disease that requires aggressive treatment strategies.