The results of the tests and procedures done to diagnose medulloblastoma, other CNS embryonal tumors, and pineoblastoma in children are used to plan cancer treatment.

Source: Childhood Medulloblastoma and Other Central Nervous System Embryonal Tumors Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version, National Cancer Institute.

Source updated: December 2, 2024 · Captured 2026-09-09.

Selected source text with whitespace normalised. This Triangle page is not an NCI PDQ summary. Independent clinical review is pending.

If your child is diagnosed with medulloblastoma, another type of CNS embryonal tumor, or pineoblastoma, they will be referred to a pediatric oncologist/neuro-oncologist. This is a doctor who specializes in staging and treating childhood cancers. They will recommend tests to determine the extent (stage) of cancer. Some of the tests used to diagnose the cancer are repeated after surgery. This is to find out how much tumor remains after surgery and to see if the cancer has spread from the brain to the spine or other parts of the body. It is important to know if the cancer has spread in order to plan the best treatment. Learn more about diagnostic tests in the General Information section.

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The following tests may be used to find out if the cancer has spread beyond the brain and spinal cord:

Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy are procedures in which a sample of bone marrow and bone is removed from the hipbone or breastbone using a special needle. A pathologist views the sample under a microscope to look for signs of cancer. A bone marrow aspiration and biopsy are only done when there are signs the cancer has spread to the bone marrow.

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Bone scan is a procedure to check if there are rapidly dividing cells, such as cancer cells, in the bone. A very small amount of radioactive material is injected into a vein and travels through the bloodstream. The radioactive material collects in the bones with cancer and is detected by a scanner. A bone scan is only done when there are signs or symptoms that the cancer has spread to the bone.

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Preserved source evidence · Independent clinical review pending · Not medical advice