Incidence of Pineal Tumors

Although rare, the pineal region tumors are differently reported in the literature around the world. Regardless of whether a physician practices in eastern regions such as Japan, Europe, or America, the frequency with which they encounter these pathologies is distinct, as is their experience. Understanding the incidence of pineal tumors or their subtypes is crucial for their diagnosis and management in various therapeutic models.

Comprehensive complementary research was conducted on PubMed. We use these MeSH terms: pinealoma, glioma, brain neoplasms, germ cell and embryonal, epidemiology, and incidence in different combinations. After analysis, from 568 initial articles, only 40 were found relevant. Most of the results on the incidence in the general population are updates of national databases. The main are SEER reported by the CBTRUS for the USA and BTRJ for Japan. Data from single institutional series was divided regarding the incidence of pineal region tumors (PRTs) in the general population, the frequency compared to central nervous system tumors, and regarding the histological subtypes in the PRT group. Data from the Lyon Pineal Region Tumor Registry is also analyzed in the discussion.

A thorough understanding of the incidence and characteristics of pineal gland and pineal region tumors is essential for improving their recognition and management. Through dedicated databases, the epidemiological and survival information can be correlated with histology and with molecular data allowing for a better understanding of tumoral subtypes and facilitate personalized therapeutic management. In this context, the French Pineal Tumor Registry is an essential tool: it offers a comprehensive overview of statistics, treatment modalities, and survival, while also enabling international comparisons. This registry is part of a modern, multidisciplinary approach, facilitating the clinical and therapeutic evaluation of different protocols.