Neoplasms of the pineal region

Tumors of the pineal region are rare but pose interesting diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. A diverse group of neoplasms may occur in the pineal region, and correct histologic diagnosis is critical to proper management of the disease. To emphasize the need for tissue diagnosis, we present five cases of pineal region tumors, including germinoma, pinealoblastoma, pinealoma, astrocytoma, and meningioma. In addition, we discuss the differential diagnosis of pineal region tumors, emphasizing the histologic, prognostic, and therapeutic differences between various tumor types.