Three clinical manifestations of posterior fossa brain cancer

The inner surface of the skull base is uneven and stepped, with many holes and fissures. It is roughly the same shape as the lower surface of the brain and can be divided into the anterior, middle, and posterior cranial fossae. The posterior cranial fossa is composed of the occipital bone and the petrous part of the temporal bone, and mainly supports the brainstem and cerebellum. The clinical manifestations of posterior cranial fossa brain cancer can therefore be divided into three categories.

1. Cerebellar hemisphere brain cancer

The main manifestations are limb coordination disorders, explosive speech, nystagmus, decreased muscle tension on the same side, sluggish tendon reflexes, and easy falling to the affected side.

2. Brain cancer in the cerebellar vermis

The main symptoms are unstable gait, inability to walk, and falling backwards when standing. The tumor can easily block the fourth ventricle, and hydrocephalus and increased intracranial pressure will appear in the early stages.

3. Cerebellopontine angle brain cancer

The main manifestations are dizziness, tinnitus on the affected side and progressive hearing impairment, symptoms of trigeminal nerve and facial nerve paralysis on the affected side, and cerebellar signs such as nystagmus. In the late stage, there are symptoms of glossopharyngeal nerve, vagus nerve, accessory nerve paralysis and increased intracranial pressure.