Pineocytoma

Pineocytoma, is a rare, benign, slowly growing tumor of the pineal gland. The pineal gland is a small endocrine gland close to the center of the brain that secretes melatonin into the bloodstream. Pineocytomas can cause pressure and fluid build-up in the brain. They are more common in adults. Symptoms include vision problems, nausea, vomiting, memory problems, and headaches.^[3]

Pineocytoma
Other names	Pinealocytoma
Micrograph of a pineocytoma. HPS stain.
Specialty	Oncology
Symptoms	Parinaud syndrome, nausea, vision abnormalities, hydrocephalus, and headaches.[1]
Usual onset	20-60 years of age.[2]
Diagnostic method	MRI and CT scan.[2]
Differential diagnosis	Pineoblastoma, pineal cyst, germ cell tumors, and metastasis.[2]
Treatment	Surgical excision.[2]
Prognosis	86% 5-year survival rate.[2]

Signs and symptoms

Because of their massive growth, pineocytoma symptoms are related to increased intracranial pressure. Some common symptoms of pineocytomas include Parinaud syndrome, headaches, dizziness, papilledema, tremors, ataxia, impaired vision, ambulation, ptosis, nausea, and vomiting.^[4]

Causes

The true cause of pineocytomas is unknown. No genetic mutations have been linked to pineocytomas however, there have been some associations with certain chromosomal abnormalities. There are no known risk factors for pineocytomas.^[4]

Diagnosis

Pineocytomas typically present on a CT scan as round and well-delineated masses with a diameter under 3cm. Pineocytomas are homogeneous, hypodense, and sometimes have central or peripheral calcification. On an MRI a pineocytoma often appears isointense or hypointense in T1-weighted scans. However, they usually appear hyperintense on T2-weighted scans. The diagnosis of a pineocytoma is confirmed by a brain biopsy.^[4]

Management

The main treatment options for pineocytomas are gross total resection, subtotal resection, and radiation.^[5]

See also

• Pineal gland