Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) Practice Exam

What age group is primarily affected by medulloblastoma?

1. 0-10 years

2. 10-20 years

3. 0-20 years

4. 20-30 years

The correct answer is: 0-20 years

Medulloblastoma is a type of brain tumor that primarily affects children, making the age group of 0-20 years particularly relevant. Specifically, the majority of cases occur in young children, typically under the age of 10. This tumor is known for arising in the cerebellum, which is associated with balance and coordination, and it has a higher incidence in pediatric populations compared to adults. The nature of this cancer, along with its response to treatments, varies significantly across different age groups, with younger patients experiencing different outcomes than those in older age brackets. Therefore, stating the age range as 0-20 years encompasses the majority of patients impacted by this diagnosis, acknowledging that the condition is predominantly seen in very young children while still recognizing that older children and adolescents can also be affected. This age specificity in medulloblastoma highlights the importance of awareness and early diagnosis in the pediatric population, emphasizing the critical nature of surveillance and intervention in these younger patients.