Pineal region tumors

Abstract

Pineal region tumors, which comprise 0.4% to 1% of intracranial neoplasms, are classified into four groups: teratomas, pinealomas; glial forms; and cysts. Clinically, they produce hydrocephalus due to the obstruction of the cerebral duct; lesions of the vegetative centers of the hypothalamus; invasion of the quadrigeminal tubercles, producing a symptomatology which varies according to the region affected and occasionally, precocious puberty and diabetes insipidus. Cases of ectopic pinealoma in the hypophyseal region are rarely seen; germinoma is the most frequent. Microscopically, two cell populations can be observed: lymphocytes and large germinal cells. The ultrastructural study reports five cell types. We consider the simple skull x-ray, cerebral angiography, Conray ventriculography and CAT Scan of utmost importance. Over the last six years, we have observed five germinomas and one pinealoblastoma. Five patients were treated surgically with subsequent radiation therapy. Two died; three are under control at the out-patient clinic and recuperating well. One patients died completion of tests.