Former NFL star Michael Strahan and his daughter Isabella recently made an appearance on a segment of Good Morning America. The duo made a shocking revelation regarding Isabella’s health where she shared how Isabella is currently receiving treatment after being diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a malignant brain tumour.
They opened up about how she learnt about her condition in late October last year and immediately went for surgery at Cedars-Sinai to remove the mass a day before her 19th birthday. Isabella also talked about her symptoms like headaches, nausea, and losing balance, which showed up before the diagnosis.
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But what exactly is Medulloblastoma? To know more about the condition, let’s delve into the intricacies of it and understand the symptoms as well.
Understanding Medulloblastoma
According to Dr Harshit Shah, Surgical Oncologist and Associate Consultant, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan, medulloblastoma is the most common brain tumour in young children. It starts in the cerebellum, which is located in the lower back part of the brain and is responsible for muscle coordination, movement and balance. Though medulloblastomas don’t usually spread to other parts of the body, they can quickly spread to the other parts of the brain as the cancerous cells tend to move around through the cerebrospinal fluid.
Also Read: All About Brain Tumours: Treatment, Survival And Quality Of Life Post Treatment
Symptoms Of Medulloblastoma
The symptoms of medulloblastoma tend to show when the size of the tumour increases or causes some sort of pressure to build up in the brain. As per Dr Shah, these are the symptoms to look out for in such conditions:
- Headaches: Headaches with iincreasing frequency and severity.
- Nausea or Vomiting: Nausea or vomiting without any specific reason.
- Vision Problems: Blurry vision, double vision, or loss of peripheral vision.
- Balance Problems: Difficulty maintaining balance.
- Fatigue: Persistent fatigue unrelated to exertion.
- Dizziness: Unexplained dizziness.
Also Read: Separating Facts From Fiction: Expert Debunks Myths About Brain Tumour
How Is It Diagnosed?
The process to diagnose medulloblastoma might include:
- Imaging Tests: The most common imaging tests used to determine the presence of a tumour are CTs and MRIs. However, certain situations might require some other tests to be done as well.
- Neurological Exams: Neurological examinations test the vision, hearing, balance, coordination and reflexes which may help determine the possible location of the tumour and what parts of the brain it is affecting.
- Biopsy: Biopsy for medulloblastoma involves removing a certain part of the skull and taking a tissue sample for testing. Though in this condition the process of biopsy is rare, it might be needed in certain cases.
- Testing Of Cerebrospinal Fluid: The cerebrospinal fluid is collected through lumbar puncture, which involves inserting a long needle in the lower spine. This fluid is then sent for testing and determining the presence of tumour cells.
Treatment Procedures
The conventional treatment for medulloblastoma usually involves the surgical removal of the tumour, followed by chemotherapy or radiation. Several clinical trials are also available where eligible patients can enrol for any new treatments that come up.
Bottomline
It is vital to understand the conditions like these as it helps with early detection and expedited treatment. If someone is experiencing any aforementioned symptoms, it is advised to reach out to a health professional as soon as possible. As Isabella takes a break to focus on recovery, her journey serves as a reminder of the importance of health in every stage of life.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by a registered healthcare professional and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your expert for a treatment plan tailored to your medical history and needs.]
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