Overview
Pineal region tumors are a group of relatively rare and diverse growths that impact people of different ages. Examples include pineocytoma; pineal parenchymal tumor of intermediate differentiation (PPTID); pineoblastoma; papillary tumor of the pineal region; and desmoplastic myxoid tumor of the pineal region, SMARCB1-mutant. Biomarker testing, also called molecular testing, plays an important role in the diagnosis and subtyping of pineal region tumors. Signs and symptoms are often related to increased pressure within the skull often causing headache, nausea, and vomiting. There can also be changes in vision, most commonly double vision of loss of the ability to look upward, and unsteadiness in walking or incoordination from cerebellar dysfunction.
2021 WHO CNS Grade
A tumor grade describes how normal or abnormal tumor cells appear under a microscope. In lower grade tumors like grade 1, the cells look close to normal. In higher grade tumors like grade 4, the cells look more abnormal. Pineal region tumors are considered grade 1, 2, 3, or 4.
Statistics
- Percent of All Brain and Other CNS Tumors: 0.2%
- Average Annual Age-Adjusted Incidence Rate: 0.04 per 100,000
- Median Age at Diagnosis: 35 years
Survival
Survival rates compare the percentage of people living with a particular diagnosis at a particular point in time compared to the general population.
- One-Year Relative Survival Rate: 92.1%
- Five-Year Relative Survival Rate: 79.9%
- Ten-Year Relative Survival Rate: 72.9%
Treatment Options
Every person living with a brain or CNS tumor is unique. If you have been diagnosed with a brain or CNS tumor and would like to better understand your treatment options, it is important to work with your health care team to decide the best course of treatment for you. You may also consider getting a second opinion or reaching out to our Personalized Support and Navigation team to learn more.
