Management of pineal region tumours in children

Abstract

Pineal region tumors in children are rare. A wide diversity of lesion arises from the pineal gland or the surrounding tissues. Among them, germinomas, nongerminomatous germ cell tumors and pineoblastoma are the most common. These tumor do not have pathognomonic imaging findings. However, tumor markers evaluation may narrow the differential diagnosis. Symptoms are usually related to tumor size and location. Treatment depends on tumor type but still the standard management remains unclear.