Pineal Body Tumor: An Overview of the Pathophysiology

Abstract

The pineal gland is a small endocrine gland in the brain that regulates the circadian rhythm in humans. It is responsible for melatonin production, also produced by parenchymal and glial cells. Pineal region tumors account for 3–11% of pediatric brain tumors, and 1% of adult brain tumors according to World health Organization (WHO). These tumors arise from the germ cells, pineal cells, and adjacent structures. It is fundamental for medical knowledge (clinical and laboratory) to differentiate and identify the various types of pineal gland tumors and thus facilitate accurate diagnosis with crafted therapeutic management of the pathology accompanying its incidence. There exist different histological subtypes of pineal body tumors and various management options like surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The review article is a student’s project on integrated learning, aiming at understanding the pathophysiology of the rare pineal body tumor.