Overview

Pineal tumors are rare brain tumors that form within the pineal gland or tissues around it. The gland is located in the middle of the brain in an area called the epithalamus. It produces a hormone called melatonin that controls the sleep-wake cycle.

Tumors in this region can block cerebrospinal fluid channels causing a build-up of fluid in one part of the brain. Based on their characteristics, they are grouped into Grades I, II, III, and IV. Grade I is slow growing tumor while IV is the fastest-growing tumor that may enter nearby tissues. Given the diversity of cells, different types of tumors can arise in the pineal gland including Pineocytoma, Pineal parenchymal tumor, Mixed pineal tumor, Pineoblastoma, and Papillary pineal tumor.

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    Symptoms

    Following are some of the most commonly observed symptoms of Pineal Tumors:

    • Headache
    • Nausea
    • Vomiting
    • Difficulty with eye movements
    • Vision changes
    • Loss of Balance
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    Diagnosis

    Your doctor may conduct a neurological examination and test your reflexes, eye movements, sensation, sense of hearing and smell, muscle strength, coordination, and balance. To do an accurate diagnosis of a Pineal Tumor, the doctor may order the following tests:

    • MRI
    • CT Scan
    • Biopsy
    • Spinal Taps
    • Blood tests

    Treatment

    Treatment depends on the type and grade of Pineal Tumor. However, like any other brain tumor, surgery is the best option to remove the tumor. For high-grade tumors, your doctor might suggest the following treatment options:

    • Surgery
    • Radiotherapy
    • Chemotherapy
    • Gamma Knife Radiosurgery
    • Craniotomy

    Why Choose Us?

    Southern California Brain & Spine Surgery is one of the best spine care facilities in Los Angeles for the treatment of spine and brain and related diseases. Dr. Moksha Ransinghe is the lead Neurosurgeon here who is awarded as the best neurosurgeon in Los Angeles by findatopdoc.com. You will be cared with:

    1.

    Advanced diagnostic methods

    2.

    State-of-the-art technology

    3.

    Minimally Invasive Surgery

    4.

    Patient-centered approach

    5.

    Recovery with less downtime

    6.

    Outstanding patient care

    For more information call us at 213-369-4583 or visit our office in Los Angeles today!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    A spine surgeon standing with both arms folded
    Are Pineal Tumors Benign?
    A:

    Grade I pineal tumors are considered benign because they can be removed with surgery. Grade IV tumors are considered malignant and they might require other treatments such as irradiation and chemotherapy.

    What is the life expectancy of a pineal tumor?
    A:

    69.5% of the survivors have a life expectancy of more than 5 years. However, there are a number of factors that contribute to prognosis. These factors include a patient’s age, health status, and how well they respond to a treatment.