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What is medulloblastoma? LSU safety Greg Brooks Jr diagnosed with rare brain cancer as he undergoes surgery to remove tumor

On September 15, Brooks had immediate surgery to remove a 'large brain tumor', and biopsy results showed that he had medulloblastoma

BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA: Medulloblastoma is a malignant brain tumor that begins in the lower back region of the brain, known as the cerebellum. The lower back of the brain – cerebellum – helps with balance, mobility, and muscle coordination.

According to a statement released by Louisiana State University on Wednesday, October 4, football safety Greg Brooks Jr has been diagnosed as having medulloblastoma, a rare form of brain cancer.

On September 15, Brooks had immediate surgery to remove a "large brain tumor," and biopsy results showed that he had medulloblastoma, as per USA Today.

Catherine O'Neal, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Our Lady of the Lake Health noted, "The surgery was successful in removing the tumor, and there is no evidence that the cancer has spread."

O'Neal continued, "As he begins rehab in the coming weeks, Greg’s family and care team will determine a treatment plan in collaboration with nationally recognized specialists in this specific form of brain cancer."

Although Brooks' "speech and ability to communicate has been impacted" by the disease, O'Neal asserted he's "responsive and working daily with physical therapy." She adds that Brooks must undergo "months of intensive rehabilitation."

Before moving to LSU, Brooks – a Harvey, Louisiana native – spent three seasons as a Razorback starting 31 games.

He made 66 tackles, two interceptions, a forced fumble, a sack, and five passes defended for the Tigers in 2022 while starting 13 of the team's 14 games.

Medulloblastoma can occur at any age

According to Mayo Clinic, the precursor to medulloblastoma is a tumor, which is a proliferation of cells. The cells multiply rapidly and have the potential to spread throughout the brain.

Although it can occur at any age, medulloblastoma most frequently affects young children. Medulloblastoma is the most frequent malignant brain tumor in children, despite its rarity.

A medulloblastoma can resemble other types of brain tumors in appearance. After surgery, a pathologist might conduct a microscopic examination of the tumor cells to provide a conclusive diagnosis.

Medulloblastoma symptoms develop as the tumor enlarges or the pressure inside the brain increases. They may start before cancer is even identified and last for months or years even after medical treatment.

The goal of medulloblastoma treatment is to carefully remove as much of the tumor as possible while also reducing intracranial pressure, which results from swelling or hydrocephalus.

Medulloblastoma is often treated with surgery, followed by radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or both. When developing a treatment plan, the medical team takes into account a number of variables.

These may include the tumor's location, its rate of growth, whether it has spread to other regions of the brain, and the outcomes of examinations of the tumor cells.

Up to 75% of patients can survive with this three-part approach of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

These treatments target cancer cells that may have evaded surgical removal and those that have migrated from the tumor to other regions of the brain or spinal cord.

It's important to be aware that each of the three therapies, particularly radiation to the brain, has the potential to result in side effects that might impede the child's growth.

According to LSU head coach Brian Kelly, Brooks started suffering vertigo symptoms earlier this year and they resurfaced on September 13 before needing emergency surgery, per ESPN.

Kelly claimed that after Brooks experienced dizziness, he had an MRI, which immediately identified the tumor.

Fans and followers pray for Brooks' speedy recovery

Coach Kelly said on X (formerly known as Twitter) that Brooks' family has the support of his team after the institution released its statement.

Kelly wrote on X: "Greg and his entire family and support system have been incredibly strong throughout all of this. Our program continues to pray and support Greg in his fight."

"We ask that you help the Brooks family and support the fund as he continues in the journey ahead." He also included a link to the Greg Brooks Jr Victory Fund, which was set up by the Tiger Athletic Foundation to support his family.

Council candidate Bill Wilson wrote, "Prayers for his health and that God heals him from this terrible disease."

Head coach of South Carolina Women’s Basketball Dawn Staley also shared a tweet: "Prayers up for Greg Brooks Jr. May the lord walk with him and his parents and everyone who loved him!"

Heavyweight champion William Bolden prayed and wrote, "As a fan of The BBN, let’s help this kid out from LSU, he Needs all the Strength, Help, Support, Love, Kind everything needs to get back to his Full Health and Life. #BBN they called for help and we are going to Give Him Help."

"You don't have to be a LSU Fan to support this kid and his family," typed one Brooks follower.