Pineal region brain tumors.

Abstract

Pineal region brain tumors occur in and around the pineal gland, a small cone-shaped structure in the posterior portion of the diencephalon. Pineal tumors can be divided into four basic categories: 1) germ cell tumors, 2) pineal tumors, 3) supporting cell tumors, and 4) cysts, or non-malignant conditions. Germinomas, one type of germ cell tumors, are the most common type of pineal region tumor. In overall incidence, pineal region tumors are relatively uncommon; however, because these tumors are mainly diagnosed in childhood and young adulthood, the incidence in that age group has been reported as high as nine percent. Pathophysiology and signs and symptoms are discussed as well as medical treatment and nursing care. The case study is a presentation of a 22-year-old male with a pineal region tumor.