Pineal tumours are a type of brain tumour that affects our pineal region. They can be made up of different cells. The different cells cause different types of pineal tumour to occur. The most common type of pineal tumour is germinoma. Germinoma is created from germ cells and may spread to other parts of the human body.
Other pineal tumours include:
- Teratomas
- Astrocytomas
- Pineoblastomas
- Meningiomas
- Pineocytomas
The initial cause of pineal tumour is currently unknown but is being researched by scientists.
Symptoms of pineal tumour include:
- Nausea
- Memory troubles
- Visual problems
- Headaches
- Vomiting
Although uncommon, pineal tumour can also occur in children as well as in adults. The symptoms of pineal tumour in children include:
- Inability to look upwards
- Vomiting
- Bad balance
- Visual problems
- Poor coordination
Tests used to diagnose pineal tumour include:
- Blood tests
- Nerve tests
- CT scan
- MRI scan
- Lumbar Puncture
- Biopsy
Treatments then used to cure pineal tumour include:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy