NEOPLASMS OF THE PINEAL REGION

Tumors of the pineal region are rare but pose interesting diagnostic a nd therapeutic challenges. A diverse group of neoplasms may occur in t he pineal region, and correct histologic diagnosis is critical to prop er management of the disease. To emphasize the need for tissue diagnos is, 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, empha sizing the histologic, prognostic, and therapeutic differences between various tumor types.