Of the numerous intracranial neoplasms, cerebellar tumors account for about thirty percent of all pathologies. They can be benign (for example, astrocytomas) and malignant (for example, medulloblastomas).
Causes
The exact causes of cerebellar tumors are not established.
There are theories suggesting that changes in cell structure may occur under the influence of the following factors:
- intoxication with various chemical reagents;
- solar radiation;
- heredity;
- consumption of products containing artificial additives (stabilizers, sweeteners, etc.);
- exposure to powerful sources of electromagnetic radiation.
Symptoms of Cerebellar Tumors
A typical symptom of a cerebellar tumor is a headache, most often localized in the occipital region. A common symptom is a swollen optic disc, which develops rapidly and is quite pronounced. Key symptoms include increased intracranial pressure. As the cerebellar tumor develops, compression of the brainstem may lead to a decrease in corneal reflexes and the appearance of nystagmus. As the disease progresses, additional symptoms such as pyramidal disturbances, lethargy, sluggishness, and deafness may arise. If there is involvement of the vermis, obvious symptoms include unsteadiness and gait disturbances. As the disease progresses, these symptoms become more pronounced, and the patient may lose the ability to move. Tentorial syndromes may also occur, where the head assumes a fixed forced position – tilted forward, backward, or to the sides. Bone thinning of the skull and separation of sutures may occur.
Diagnosis of Cerebellar Tumors in Israel
In diagnosing cerebellar tumors in Israel, blood tests for leukocyte count and ESR are conducted. Ophthalmoscopy is performed to detect swollen optic discs. An important method in diagnosing the disease is MRI of the brain, which allows establishing connections with other areas of the brain and assessing the degree of blood supply to the tumor. Differential analysis is essential to exclude hematomas, meningitis, and aneurysms.
Treatment of Cerebellar Tumors in Israel
After diagnosis in Israel, depending on the patient's condition and the stage of the disease, surgical treatment of cerebellar tumors, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are performed. Symptomatic treatment is also provided: antiemetics, hormonal medications, sedatives, and diuretics are prescribed.