Pineocytomas: a long-term follow up study of four cases in Helsinki Neurosurgery

Background: Pineocytomas are rare benign lesions with a relatively good prognosis if gross total resection can be achieved. Report of cases: We present a retrospective review of four patients with histologically confirmed pineocytomas consecutively operated on after 1997. All of our patients were alive at a mean follow-up of 224,5 months (range 204-246). A gross total resection was accomplished in all cases. The cornerstones for the surgical resection of pineocytomas are reported. Conclusions: A proper management of pineocytomas, based on the gross total microsurgical resection of the lesion, results in an excellent long term outcome of these pineal lesions.