Anaplastic Medulloblastoma

Higher magnification of the previous image showing highly anaplastic, primitive-looking cells with nuclear molding. Several mitotic figures as well as many apoptotic cells are present in this field. Anaplastic variant makes up about 25% of medulloblastomas and has significantly worse prognosis than the classic variant. The 5-yr survival of all medulloblastomas is 70% to 80%. However, the radiation therapy to the brain causes significant long-term sequelae especially in children younger than 5 yrs. of age.