Which tumor is classified as embryonal?

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Multiple Choice

Which tumor is classified as embryonal?

Embryonal tumors are primitive, highly malignant CNS neoplasms that resemble early developmental tissue and are most common in children. Medulloblastoma is the classic embryonal tumor of the brain, arising in the cerebellum (often the vermis) and composed of small round blue cells that can form Homer Wright rosettes. This tumor is notorious for its aggressive nature and its tendency to disseminate through the cerebrospinal fluid, leading to drop metastases along the neuraxis. Clinically, it presents with signs of a posterior fossa mass such as gait disturbance and headaches from increased intracranial pressure or hydrocephalus. Other listed tumors are not embryonal. Pilocytic astrocytoma is a generally benign glial tumor. Ependymoma arises from the ependymal lining of the ventricles and often causes hydrocephalus with characteristic perivascular pseudorosettes. Choroid plexus tumors originate from the choroid plexus epithelium and frequently present with hydrocephalus due to overproduction or obstruction. Therefore, medulloblastoma best fits the embryonal classification.

Embryonal tumors are primitive, highly malignant CNS neoplasms that resemble early developmental tissue and are most common in children. Medulloblastoma is the classic embryonal tumor of the brain, arising in the cerebellum (often the vermis) and composed of small round blue cells that can form Homer Wright rosettes. This tumor is notorious for its aggressive nature and its tendency to disseminate through the cerebrospinal fluid, leading to drop metastases along the neuraxis. Clinically, it presents with signs of a posterior fossa mass such as gait disturbance and headaches from increased intracranial pressure or hydrocephalus.

Other listed tumors are not embryonal. Pilocytic astrocytoma is a generally benign glial tumor. Ependymoma arises from the ependymal lining of the ventricles and often causes hydrocephalus with characteristic perivascular pseudorosettes. Choroid plexus tumors originate from the choroid plexus epithelium and frequently present with hydrocephalus due to overproduction or obstruction. Therefore, medulloblastoma best fits the embryonal classification.

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