Pineal region tumors
What is it?
- Pineocytoma. This is a well-differentiated tumor that originates from the epithelium of the pineal gland.
- Pineoblastoma. This is a malignant variant.
- Tumors originating from germ cells, particularly germinoma, choriocarcinoma, and teratoma.
Causes and risk factors
These tumors are more common in children (3-8% of pediatric brain tumors) than in adults.
How is it diagnosed?
Suggested exams
How is it treated?
In germ cell tumors, certain chemicals such as beta hCG and alpha-fetoprotein may be present in the patients’ cerebrospinal fluid: these markers play an important role in the diagnosis and follow-up of the patient.
The initial symptom may be acute hydrocephalus, requiring immediate intervention with external ventricular drainage or ventriculoperitoneal shunt. This is followed by radiation therapy and surgical intervention. The latter method is usually used for benign well encapsulated tumors, radioresistant tumors, and tumors with an uncertain radiological diagnosis.
Suggested procedures
Where do we treat it?
Within the San Donato Group, you can find Pineal region tumors specialists at these departments:
Are you interested in receiving the treatment?
Contact us and we will take care of you.