Primary cervical multifocal medulloblastoma: a unique case report and review of the literature.

Abstract

Medulloblastoma, one of the malignant embryonal tumors, is frequently encountered among the posterior fossa masses, especially in the pediatric group. Primary spinal intramedullary medulloblastoma is extremely rare, being even rarer in adults. Only 3 cases of primary spinal intramedullary medulloblastoma have been described in the literature so far. In this study, we present the first case of cervical multifocal, intramedullary medulloblastoma, which was completely excised using micro-neurosurgical techniques without causing any neurological deficit. A 41-year-old male, with no prior medical condition presented with complaints of paresthesia in the upper extremities and neck pain radiating to left arm. Contrast-enhanced cervical magnetic resonance imaging revealed two separate enhanced masses in the upper cervical spinal cord. Using classical micro-neurosurgical techniques, the patient's both masses were completely excised. Surprisingly, the histopathological diagnosis was reported as Medulloblastoma. The patient received chemotherapy and radiotherapy during the postoperative period. No recurrence was detected in the patient's 2-year postoperative follow-up. Medulloblastoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of cervical intramedullary masses. It should be kept in mind that it is possible to resect these tumors with micro-neurosurgical techniques without any neurological sequela.