Learn About Posterior Fossa Tumor
Posterior fossa tumor is a type of brain tumor located in or near the bottom of the skull.
Infratentorial brain tumors; Brainstem glioma; Cerebellar tumor
The posterior fossa is a small space in the skull, found near the brainstem and cerebellum. The cerebellum is the part of the brain responsible for balance and coordinated movements. The brainstem is responsible for controlling vital body functions, such as breathing.
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. They start in the brain, rather than spreading from somewhere else in the body.
Posterior fossa tumors have no known causes or risk factors.
Symptoms occur very early with posterior fossa tumors and may include:
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Imbalance
- Nausea
- Uncoordinated walk (ataxia)
- Vomiting
Symptoms from posterior fossa tumors also occur when the tumor damages local structures, such as the cranial nerves. Symptoms of cranial nerve damage include:
- Dilated pupils
- Eye problems
- Face muscle weakness
- Hearing loss
- Loss of feeling in part of the face
- Taste problems
- Unsteadiness when walking
- Vision problems
Most tumors of the posterior fossa are removed with surgery, even if they are not cancerous. There is limited space in the posterior fossa, and the tumor can easily press on critical structures if it grows.
Depending on the type and size of the tumor, radiation treatment may also be used after surgery.
Hudson MSO, LLC
Alain De Lotbiniere is a Neurosurgery provider in White Plains, New York. Dr. De Lotbiniere and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Posterior Fossa Tumor. His top areas of expertise are Meningioma, Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor (PNET), Posterior Fossa Tumor, Sacral Nerve Stimulation, and Microdiscectomy.
Westchester Medical Center Advanced Physician Services PC
Synphen Wu is a Neurologist in Hawthorne, New York. Dr. Wu and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Posterior Fossa Tumor. Her top areas of expertise are Posterior Fossa Tumor, Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor (PNET), Metastatic Brain Tumor, and Dysembryoplastic Neuroepithelial Tumors (DNET).
Westchester Medical Center Advanced Physician Services PC
Simon Hanft is a Neurosurgery provider in Valhalla, New York. Dr. Hanft and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Posterior Fossa Tumor. His top areas of expertise are Glioblastoma, Astrocytoma, Pituitary Apoplexy, Posterior Fossa Decompression, and Awake Craniotomy.
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A good outlook depends on finding the cancer early. A total blockage in the flow of spinal fluid can be life threatening. If tumors are found early, surgery can lead to long-term survival.
Complications may include:
- Cranial nerve palsies
- Brain herniation
- Hydrocephalus
- Increased intracranial pressure
Contact your health care provider if you have regular headaches that occur with nausea, vomiting, or vision changes.
Summary: This phase I trial studies the side effects and best dose of volitinib in treating patients with primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors that have come back (recurrent) or does not respond to treatment (refractory). Volitinib may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth.
Summary: This is a pilot study that will evaluate disease status in children that have been newly diagnosed high-grade glioma with TRK fusion. The evaluation will occur after 2 cycles of the medication (Larotrectinib) have been given. The study will also evaluate the safety of larotrectinib when given with chemotherapy in your children; as well as the safety larotrectinib when given post-focal radiation th...
Published Date: March 31, 2024
Published By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Arriaga MA, Brackmann DE. Neoplasms of the posterior fossa. In: Flint PW, Francis HW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 179.
Dorsey JF, Salinas RD, Dang M, et al. Cancer of the central nervous system. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Kastan MB, Doroshow JH, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 63.
Friehling ED, Meade JC, Bleyer A, Ritchey KA. Principles of cancer treatment. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 543.
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