====== Pineal region tumor surgery ======

===== Indications =====

Controversial. Some authors feel that most tumors (except [[germinoma]]s, which are best treated with XRT) are amenable to open [[resection]]. Others feel that resection should be limited to ≈ 25% of tumors which area:

1. [[radioresistance]] (e.g. malignant nongerminoma GCTs): 35–50% of [[pineal region tumor]]s (larger numbers occur in series not limited to pediatric patients)

2. benign (e.g. [[meningioma]], [[teratoma]]s...)

3. well-encapsulated

4. NB: malignant [[germ cell tumor]]s should be without evidence of [[metastases]] (those with metastases do not benefit from surgery on the primary tumor)

5. [[pineocytoma]]: recommendation is for surgical excision + SRS for any residual

===== Approaches =====

see [[Pineal region approach]].