Pineal tumors

Pineal-region tumors constitute a diverse group of tumors. We recommend an aggressive surgical approach to these tumors for diagnostic as well as therapeutic purposes. Approximately one third of all pineal tumors are benign, resectable lesions and surgical therapy provides the best opportunity for a cure. Debulking procedures are beneficial in patients with malignant tumors both surgically and because they provide tissue specimens for diagnostic purposes to properly direct postoperative adjuvant therapy. Surgical results have been excellent, with an overall mortality and morbidity rate of 12 per cent and virtually no permanent deficits in patients with benign tumors.