Tumors of the pineal region are rare and their optimal management remains controversial. In this editorial, we propose a simplified and stratified management scheme for tumors in this region.
Incidence, presentation, and different types of pineal region tumorsPineal region tumors comprise 2.5-8.5 % of pediatric intracranial tumors, being more common in the Asian populations [1,2]. These tumors are diverse in cell origin [3,4], most commonly germ cell tumors (GCT) followed by pineal parenchymal tumors (PPT) (Fig. 1).Patients usually present with obstructive hydrocephalus, symptoms/signs of brainstem compression, or evidence of precocious puberty or diabetes insipidus from metachronous GCTs, which are bifocal tumors occurring in the pineal and suprasellar regions simultaneously [5,6]. Brain and whole spine MRI with and without contrast should always be performed upon presentation ( Fig. 2 and cover image) and prior to any procedure to assess for extent of disease [7].