Follow-up from Surgery for Medulloblastomas in Children

Frequency of Office Visits

• Initial outpatient staging: Within 10 days of surgery a lumbar puncture is performed for staging purposes and an intravenous access port is placed in anticipation of radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
• 3-month visit: The 3-month visit is generally at completion of radiation therapy. A MRI may be repeated and chemotherapy planned.
• Quarterly, then biannual visits: The frequency of visits is decreased over the first few years as treatments are completed and scans stabilize.

Frequency of Imaging

• First scan: A first scan is obtained within days of surgery to confirm the adequacy of resection.
• 3-month scan: This scan is the one that will be used as the baseline scan going forward.
• Quarterly scans, then biannual: Scans are performed every 3 months for the first year, twice a year for second year, and yearly thereafter.

Other Investigations Required

• Neuropsychological testing: Although it is not mandatory, baseline neuropsychological testing, if performed, will allow for quantification of any cognitive sequelae from treatment of the tumor.