Pineal Tumors
Tumors of the brain's pineal gland are rare and most often develop in children and teens. Pineal tumors are complex, can be benign or malignant, and have a variety of characteristics. Pineal tumors should be treated with an experienced specialist highly trained in treating these tumors.
Our Approach to Treating Pineal Tumors
Surgical Treatment
For pineal tumors that are able to be removed with surgery, we use a minimally invasive approach whenever possible. Often, we perform an endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) procedure to treat hydrocephalus which helps control pressure in the brain and drain extra fluid.
Radiation Therapy
We use radiation therapy as an alternative to surgery to treat pineal tumors as well as after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. We may also use stereotactic radiosurgery to treat small pineal tumors which is a treatment that uses a highly focused beam of radiation to target tumor cells while leaving surrounding brain tissue unaffected.
Chemotherapy
Anticancer drugs may also be used to shrink operable tumors before surgery, treat inoperable pineal tumors, or kill any cancer cells remaining after pineal tumor surgery.