Medulloblastoma during pregnancy: Hormone-mediated association? Report of 2 cases.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To report two rare cases of medulloblastoma in pregnant patients and a review of the literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Report of patients diagnosed with medulloblastoma during their pregnancies, who were treated with surgery and adjuvant therapy. We also reviewed other cases reported in the literature and the association made with hormonal receptors. RESULTS: Brain tumors in coincidence with pregnancy are unusual, and the incidence of medulloblastoma in pregnancy is still rarer. We found 8 cases of medulloblastomas diagnosed during pregnancy. Reports suggest that hormonal changes and increases in the levels of growth factors and angiogenic factors during pregnancy influence the rate of growth of brain tumors (not only medulloblastomas but also meningiomas or glial tumors). CONCLUSIONS: The uniqueness of these cases is their rarity. The symptoms are usually masked by the symptoms of pregnancy. At present, there is still little evidence regarding the pathogenesis and treatment of medulloblastoma in pregnancy.