Cervical Medulloblastoma Mimicking a Nerve Sheath Tumour in a Child: A Rare Extracranial Presentation
Jaimin Modh
Institute of Kidney Diseases and Research Centre (IKDRC), Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
Arvind Verma
Institute of Kidney Diseases and Research Centre (IKDRC), Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
Renish Padshala
Department of Neurosurgery, Smt. NHL Municipal Medical College, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380006, India.
Md. Nazar Imam *
Department of Neurosurgery, Smt. NHL Municipal Medical College, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380006, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: To emphasize the diagnostic challenge of primary cervical medulloblastoma mimicking a nerve sheath tumor in pediatric patients.
Case Report: An 8-year-old boy presented with posterior neck swelling and spastic quadriparesis. MRI revealed a well-defined intradural extramedullary cervical mass with "dumbbell" extension, radiologically resembling a schwannoma. Gross total resection was performed, yielding significant neurological recovery. Unexpectedly, histopathology confirmed medulloblastoma.
Discussion: Primary spinal medulloblastomas are rare and can radiologically masquerade as benign tumors. Unlike drop metastases, they lack intracranial involvement. Management requires surgical decompression followed by craniospinal irradiation and chemotherapy.
Conclusion: Medulloblastoma should be considered in the differential of pediatric spinal masses. Early recognition and multimodal management are critical for favorable outcomes.
Keywords: Schwannoma, cervical spine, pediatric oncology, small round blue cell tumors