

Pineal Region Tumors
Pineal region tumors are brain tumors that are found very rarely. Just behind the brain stem, the pineal gland is formed in the middle of the brain. The start in the pineal gland or tissues around it. It makes the hormone melatonin that controls sleep. The tumors in the area of the brain, the brain can obstruct or block the cerebrospinal fluid. The cerebrospinal fluid is a fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and the spinal cord.
This can lead to block and build the cerebrospinal fluid in a specific area of the brain. This can lead to increased pressure in the brain. Some common symptoms of increased pressure include headache and feeling ill.
Type of pineal region tumors
There are various types of tumors that can originate from the pineal region. But the main types are:
- Germ cell tumors also called as germinoma
- Tumors that start in the pineal gland known as pineal gland tumors.
- Tumors can also take place as the supporting cells in or around the pineal gland. These are also known as gliomas.
Tests that are required for pineal region tumors
Some of the tests are recommended to diagnose the pineal region tumors. The surgeon will check the size of the tumor and its exact place. This helps to plan the treatment accordingly. These are the tests include:
- MRI scan
- CT scan
- Biopsy of the tumor
- Blood test
Taking a sample of fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord
Some of the germ cells are present in the blood that shows in the blood test. These are called tumors markers. To confirm the germ cell tumor, some blood test are required such as:
- Alpha fetoprotein
- Human choriogonadotropin
Surgical option pineal tumor
Here are the three main types for pineal tumor include:
Surgery: Surgery is considered as the primary treatment for pineal tumors. Surgeons will perform the craniotomy as a method to remove small portions of the skull and access the tumor. Surgery is a successful treatment for benign tumors. But for a malignant and advanced type of pineal tumor it is full of complications and risk to try and remove the whole part without damaging the nearby tissues. Removal of some tumor during the surgical procedures will improve the effectiveness of the other treatments.
Radiation therapy: Occurs after surgery or is a primary treatment for pineal tumors.
This treatment is effective with germ cell tumors.
Chemotherapy: This is therapy and treatment recommended which attacks the tumor with effective chemical drugs. Chemotherapy is recommended instead or after the radiotherapy.
Treatment for pineal region tumors
Treatment depends on the type of tumor.
Treatment for germ cell tumor is treated with radiotherapy or combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This is the only treatment that some patients need. Some people may also have an option to remove the tumor.
In case of return of a germ cell tumor, they may experience chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Treatment for pineal gland tumors
Treatment is basically planned according to the type and grade of pineal gland tumor. For the pineocytoma, surgeons usually remove the tumor as much as it is possible. After the surgery, your surgeon may recommend radiotherapy to prevent the tumor from reoccurring.
Symptoms of pineal tumors
The feeling of pressure that a person may experience is associated with the symptoms of pineal tumor. One of the most common symptoms is a condition called hydrocephalus.
Hydrocephalus is a condition that builds up cerebrospinal fluid in the brain that results in increased compression and has several symptoms such as:
- Early signs of puberty
- Blur or double vision or diplopia
- Headache
- Memory issues
- Nausea
- Low coordination and balance
- Seizures
- Problem is sleeping
- Unusual eye movement
- Vomiting
Cost of pineal region tumors in India
India is a hub of medical treatment and services that provides all the treatments related to all the conditions that are mild to moderate. Best neurosurgeon and healthcare professionals lead to the best treatment in their field. The cost of pineal region tumors in India is cheap and affordable as compared to other nations.
However, the overall cost of the treatment may vary depending on several factors. These factors include the surgeon’s expertise, the type of implant, the location of the hospital, and more.
Summary
Pineal tumors are the type of tumors that form in the pineal gland or around the pineal region of the brain.
The tumors in the area of the brain, the brain can obstruct or block the cerebrospinal fluid. The cerebrospinal fluid is a fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and the spinal cord.